Violence in Sinaloa continues to be out of control due to clashes between criminal groups. Conflicts intensified after the alleged kidnapping of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada and his subsequent detention in the United States, prompting 'Los Chapitos' to ally with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to confront 'La Mayiza' for control of the region. This situation has generated uncertainty among the population of Sinaloa.
The state's governor, Rubén Rocha Moya, has minimized several times the violent clashes that have resulted in multiple deaths, kidnappings, armed attacks, and fires, leading to the deployment of more than 200 armed forces personnel in the region to try to restore calm among the population.
On October 20, the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena) announced the detention of Luis Alberto 'N', known as 'El Cañas', the alleged leader of a cell of the 'Pacific Cartel', along with four others in Culiacán. During the operation, high-powered firearms, cartridges, grenades, tactical equipment, and vehicles were seized on site.
Furthermore, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) found evidence suggesting that Hector Melesio Cuén Ojeda was murdered in Culiacán, in the same place where the kidnapping of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada was reported. These events have increased pressure on authorities to address insecurity in the region.
The population of Sinaloa has manifested through marches demanding concrete measures to end the violence in the state. Some citizens question the actions of Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, who was seen at the inauguration of a cultural festival while the security situation worsened in the capital.
Rubén Rocha Moya assumed the governorship on October 31, 2021, and his term would conclude on October 31, 2027. Before taking this position, Rocha Moya had a long political and academic career, including periods as a senator for Morena and rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa. His government faces one of the biggest challenges with the wave of violence affecting the region.
