In the context of the internal conflict between the faction of Ismael 'El Mayito Flaco' and Los Chapitos, the sons of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, authorities have intensified their offensive against both groups of the Sinaloa Cartel. La Mayiza has become the most targeted faction by authorities in the cartel's internal conflict. Federal forces have intensified their offensive against this group, achieving the capture of several key figures, significantly weakening their operational structure and drug trafficking network.
Since the start of the conflict on September 9, 2024, following the capture of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, federal forces have detained nearly 50 priority targets, secured over 600 high-powered weapons, 400 vehicles, and large quantities of drugs.
Recent arrests:
El Gusano: On September 13, 2024, in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, the State Citizen Security Force and the Sedena detained Kevin Dolores 'N', alias 'El Gusano', a member of Los Rusos, the armed wing of La Mayiza.
El Max or El Oso: On October 21, 2024, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the Sedena detained Edwin Antonio 'N', alias 'El Max' or 'El Oso', after a strong confrontation that included the use of an armed helicopter. A former collaborator of the U.S. government, he was granted probation in 2022 but was accused of reoffending in illegal activities.
El Mero Mero: On December 16, 2024, in Badiraguato, Sinaloa, federal forces captured Hernández Domingo 'N', alias 'El Mero Mero', a key operator in the trafficking of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin to the U.S.
El Pitufo: On December 16, 2024, in Mexicali, Baja California, Josués 'N', alias 'El Pitufo', one of the main operators of Los Rusos, was arrested. A federal judge granted him an injunction that allowed him to continue his process in freedom, generating controversy.
El Chavo Félix: Detained on January 18, 2025, in the Quilá neighborhood, Culiacán, when Juan Carlos Félix Gastélum, alias 'El Chavo Félix', was captured, identified as the son-in-law of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada and presumed leader of criminal cells in the region.
These arrests represent a significant blow to La Mayiza and the internal dispute of the Sinaloa Cartel, affecting their operations and weakening their ability to control various strategic areas. It is presumed that he operated in California, facilitating the trafficking of drugs and weapons.
El Mini Lic: On December 13, 2024, in Virginia, U.S., Dámaso López Serrano, alias 'El Mini Lic', was re-arrested. He was a key player in the drug smuggling to the U.S.
El Tochín: On December 7, 2024, in Mexicali, Baja California, agents from the FESC and the National Migration Institute detained Gerardo 'N', alias 'El Tochín'.
