The National Defense Secretariat confirmed the detention of Edwin Antonio Rubio López, known as 'El Max,' one of the main sources of violence in Sinaloa in recent times. His capture occurred following the conflict that arose after the detention of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada and the subsequent war that broke out between his armed wing and 'Los Chapitos.'
The events took place on the night of Monday, October 21, in the rural community of Plan de Oriente, Sinaloa, amidst an escalation of violence involving 'Los Chapitos' facing off against 'Los Mayos,' the two factions of the Pacific Cartel or Sinaloa Cartel. In a confrontation with the Army, around 30 individuals from an armed command attacked Sedena personnel, resulting in the deaths of 19 of them, while others managed to escape or were detained, including Edwin Antonio Rubio López, alias 'El Max.'
Following the capture of 'El Max,' several weapons and military equipment were seized, including machine guns, long and short firearms, tactical vests, ballistic helmets, and vehicles. This detention adds to a series of arrests made amid the clashes between 'Los Chapitos' and the faction of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada in Sinaloa.
Regarding Edwin Antonio 'El Max's' position in the Sinaloa Cartel, according to information from Sedena, he was the leader of a criminal cell affiliated with the faction of 'El Mayo' Zambada, now led by his son 'El Mayito Flaco' Zambada Sicairos. With an arrest warrant since 2019, he is presumed responsible for crimes such as drug trafficking to the United States, having operated from Culiacán to Los Angeles, passing through San Felipe, Baja California. His leadership role would be linked to the Arzate group, an ally of the Sinaloa Cartel in Baja California, and with 'La Mayiza,' one of the armed wings of the Zambada faction.
