Security forces in Mexico have arrested José Ángel Canobbio, a top security chief for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. This arrest comes shortly after the Sinaloa cartel was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US.
Major Arrest Hits Sinaloa Cartel: Security Chief of 'El Chapo's' Son Detained
Major Arrest Hits Sinaloa Cartel: Security Chief of 'El Chapo's' Son Detained
José Ángel Canobbio, known as "El Güerito," was captured in Culiacán, marking a significant development in the fight against drug trafficking.
The Mexican army announced the detention of a prominent figure within the Sinaloa drug cartel, apprehending José Ángel Canobbio, widely referred to as "El Güerito," in the northwestern city of Culiacán. Authorities state that Canobbio served as the right-hand man to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, one of the sons of the infamous imprisoned cartel leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
This operation comes in the wake of a significant move by the United States, which recently classified the Sinaloa cartel among its foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs)—a designation that the Trump Administration argues will enhance effective measures against these criminal syndicates. In addition to the Sinaloa cartel, seven other Latin American organizations were likewise named, including notable entities like the Jalisco New Generation cartel and MS-13.
Under increasing pressure from the Trump administration, the Mexican government has been urged to intensify its fight against drug trafficking and the dangerous fentanyl trade, with Canobbio's capture expected to demonstrate Mexico's resolve in this ongoing battle. Notably, Canobbio was indicted by a federal grand jury in Chicago back in November, charged with smuggling fentanyl into the United States.
As a key advisor, lieutenant, and security chief for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, Canobbio has been instrumental in facilitating the cartel's involvement in drug trafficking operations across the border. Security expert David Saucedo posits that Canobbio's extradition to the US is likely to follow swiftly, indicating escalating international cooperation in combating narcotics trafficking.
The arrest serves as a crucial development, especially in light of ongoing negotiations, where Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum successfully persuaded her US counterpart to delay imposing a 25% tariff on Mexican goods for at least one month. While law enforcement makes strides in apprehending cartel leaders, the implications for both nations remain pivotal in addressing their shared struggle against drug-related crime.
