A criminal group specialized in violent tasks within drug trafficking has been affected by the escape of a key leader. This concerns the alleged escape of Saúl Francisco Hernández Tenorio, alias "El Ponchis" or "El Fantasma," leader of the criminal group Los Alfas or Los Fantasmas, the armed wing of Los Salazar, who escaped from the Social Reintegration Center 1 in Hermosillo, Sonora, where he had been detained since March 25.
The news of his escape, reported on May 6, has generated concern in the world of drug trafficking in Mexico. Los Salazar and Los Chapitos, factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, are in a war for control of drug trafficking routes and international markets, particularly in the production of fentanyl. Los Salazar, historically allies of the cartel, entered into conflict with Los Chapitos after the fall of "El Chapo" Guzmán in 2016.
The confrontation intensified due to disagreements over fentanyl production in Mexico. Los Chapitos imposed a policy against this activity, while Los Salazar continued production, leading Los Chapitos to take actions to eliminate their resistance. In 2024, Los Chapitos created the group Los Mata Salas with the aim of eradicating members of Los Salazar who refused to submit.
El Ponchis is considered one of the leaders of Los Alfas or Los Fantasmas, the armed wing linked to Los Salazar. His escape is seen as a blow to the stability of Los Chapitos in the region, as there are fears that his release will reactivate Los Salazar's operations alongside Los Mayitos, challenging Los Chapitos' authority in a war that has been intensifying in recent months.
