Mexican Forces Capture Key Sinaloa Cartel Operative
The Mexican army has struck a major blow against the Sinaloa Cartel, arresting one of its key figures, José Ángel Canobbio, in the northern city of Culiacán. Known as “El Güerito” (The Little Blond One), Canobbio was reportedly the right-hand man of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, the son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Significant Blow to the Sinaloa Cartel
Mexican security forces confirmed that Canobbio played a crucial role in securing operations and logistics for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, making his capture a severe setback for the cartel. His arrest came just hours after the United States officially classified the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO)—a move aimed at strengthening measures against international drug trafficking networks.
Alongside the Sinaloa Cartel, the U.S. State Department designated seven other Latin American criminal organizations as FTOs:
- Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)
- Gulf Cartel
- Northeast Cartel
- United Cartel
- New Michoacán Family
- Tren de Aragua
- MS-13
Most of these groups operate within Mexico, with growing concerns over their involvement in fentanyl trafficking—a primary concern for both Mexican and U.S. authorities.
U.S. Pressure and Mexico’s Response
The Mexican government has faced intense pressure from Washington to combat cartel activities, particularly the trafficking of synthetic opioids like fentanyl. This comes as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum successfully negotiated a one-month delay on a proposed 25% tariff on Mexican imports to the U.S., contingent on stronger anti-drug measures.
Mexican security officials hope Canobbio’s arrest will demonstrate their commitment to cracking down on drug smuggling operations. Canobbio was indicted in absentia by a Chicago federal grand jury in November for his alleged role in smuggling fentanyl into the United States.
Cartel’s Role in Fentanyl Trafficking
According to security expert David Saucedo, Canobbio was instrumental in expanding the Sinaloa Cartel’s fentanyl smuggling operations into the U.S.. Speaking to Mexico’s Radio Formula, Saucedo predicted that Canobbio would be quickly extradited to the United States to face federal charges.
His capture marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s ongoing battle against cartel dominance, reinforcing efforts to dismantle high-level trafficking networks and disrupt the flow of deadly narcotics into North America.
20th February 2025
