The Sinaloa Cartel, long considered the most powerful criminal organization in Mexico, is embroiled in a dispute for control of the state that could significantly change its future. This internal struggle between Los Chapitos, sons of 'El Chapo' Guzmán, and the heirs of 'El Mayo' Zambada, could weaken the cartel and leave it vulnerable to attacks from rival gangs, while pressure from the United States to dismantle this group, which is identified as the main producer and trafficker of fentanyl to that country, is increasing.
Manuel Clouthier, a businessman and politician from Sinaloa, indicated in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that "The Sinaloa Cartel is weaker, more divided, and more torn by internal struggles than ever before." There is fear that this scenario could be exploited by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel to attempt to take control of the state, triggering even more violence in the territorial war for Sinaloa.
The administration of Donald Trump has demonstrated a firm approach in the fight against Mexican drug traffickers, designating six cartels as terrorists. It is speculated that this measure could pave the way for large-scale U.S. military action, including possible drone strikes against drug laboratories and other targets.
Despite U.S. government efforts, the fentanyl business continues to expand. Lab operators are rushing to establish new locations while facing increasing violence and pressure from authorities and rival gangs.
José de Córdoba reported that according to a lab operator interviewed by the WSJ, there are about 100 laboratories near Culiacán. Each conflicting faction seeks to undermine the operations of the other, leading to rising prices and forcing producers to increase their production to cover the costs of intelligence, weaponry, and hitmen.
Efforts to dismantle fentanyl laboratories have intensified, with record drug seizures such as the one announced by the Secretary of Citizen Security, Omar García Harfuch, who revealed the confiscation of 1.3 tons of fentanyl in December.
In the midst of this situation, the Mexican armed forces have captured several lieutenants of the Sinaloa Cartel, especially from the Los Chapitos faction, tightening the noose around Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar 'El Chapito', one of 'El Chapo's' sons. Despite these circumstances, analysts consulted by the WSJ believe that the Sinaloa Cartel will survive, driven by strong demand for fentanyl in the United States and the determination of operators not to lose customers to the competition.
