Cartel Watch: Minigun Used to Attack Troops
Minigun Used in CJNG Ambush in Jalisco
On April 26, 2024, an ambush orchestrated by the Cártel Nueva Generación (CNG) targeted members of the Mexican Army in La Higuerilla, Santa María del Oro, Jalisco, resulting in three soldiers wounded. The attackers, heavily armed with high-caliber rifles including Barrett .50 and a Minigun, as well as explosive-laden drones, confronted the military as part of ongoing conflicts in the region. This violent incident reflects the severe security challenges in Jalisco, particularly in areas bordering Michoacán, where local populations suffer frequent assaults by organized crime groups.
For more details on this incident, visit El Informador.
CJNG Members Sentenced in North Texas
Twelve members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have been sentenced in the Northern District of Texas, receiving prison terms ranging from four and a half years to 40 years. The group's primary logistics operator, Francisco Javier Rodriguez Arreola, received the longest sentence of 40 years for his role in distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico to the U.S. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 650 kilograms of methamphetamine, 17 firearms, and over $230,000 in cash and property. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, highlighting the ongoing effort to combat drug trafficking and its associated violence.
For full details, visit the U.S. Department of Justice.
Multiple Homicides on the Road to Ciudad Juárez
On April 21, 2024, eight bodies were discovered along the roadside at kilometer 37 on the highway to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. The victims, who have not yet been identified, were found with a chilling message stabbed onto the chest of one body with a knife, declaring, "Iban para Magdalena ahora van para donde sea.... Chihuahua tiene dueño entiéndalo ¡bienvenidos!" This message suggests a territorial claim by an unidentified gang or criminal group asserting control over Chihuahua. The specific details of the murders, including the responsible parties and the intended destination of the victims, remain unclear as investigations continue.
Extradition Request for ATM Fraud Suspect
The Mexican government has formally requested the extradition of Gheorghe Dumitru from the United States for his involvement in a major ATM fraud scheme in 2017. Dumitru, an associate of Florian Tudor, leader of La Banda de la Riviera Maya, allegedly participated in hacking BBVA bank's ATMs and cloning cards, resulting in the theft of approximately 70 million pesos. Arrested in the U.S. in 2021 for bank fraud and identity theft, Dumitru's extradition could significantly impact the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against the criminal network involved.
Disappearance of Sinaloa Investigative Agent Amid Accusations
In Culiacán, Sinaloa, an investigative agent of the Fiscalía General de Sinaloa, Alberto "N", remains missing since being publicly accused via 'narcomantas' of theft and other crimes. These accusations came to light following his disappearance a few days prior to the discovery of the banners in various parts of the city. Fiscal Sara Bruna Quiñonez Estrada reported that despite some evidence supporting the claims made in the banners, no concrete information has led to Alberto's whereabouts. The family of the missing agent has been reluctant to provide further details or statements, complicating the ongoing investigation.
"El Gordo" Faces Federal Court in the US
Luis Felipe López Zamora, known as "El Gordo," an alleged key figure of "Los Chapitos" — the faction led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán — was extradited from Mexico and appeared before the Eastern District Court of California in Sacramento on April 19, 2024. He faces charges of trafficking fentanyl pills, cocaine, and methamphetamine, as well as money laundering. Captured in Tijuana on January 2, 2024, López Zamora is accused of being a significant trafficker based in Tijuana, with operations extending to Sacramento, where his brother, José López-Zamora, allegedly led the local trafficking activities. If convicted, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and could receive a life sentence for each drug trafficking charge, alongside up to 20 years for money laundering.
Escalation of Violence in Culiacán: Three Executions Reported
In Culiacán, Sinaloa, three young men were found executed under similar circumstances, each with a communication radio in hand. This recent string of murders occurred one hour apart on the southern outskirts of the city, with two bodies located on Giovanni Zamudio Avenue and the Benito Juárez Highway, and the third near the Cerro Del Tule area. Authorities are still trying to identify the victims, described as young men aged 20 to 25. The presence of radios suggests these killings were targeted, sending a specific message related to local criminal activities. These incidents contribute to the ongoing narrative of Culiacán as a center of intense drug cartel violence.
Acknowledgment of Mexico as Major Fentanyl Producer
The head of Mexico’s Criminal Investigation Agency, Felipe de Jesus Gallo, acknowledged at a U.S.-Mexico synthetic drugs conference that Mexico has escalated to a major producer of synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine. This statement counters previous denials by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who has claimed that Mexico only modified the drugs but did not produce them. Gallo highlighted that Mexican cartels have utilized precursor chemicals from China and India, transitioning from large-scale methamphetamine production to also exporting fentanyl. This shift has significant implications for both national and international drug enforcement strategies.
For further details, you can read the full story on the AP News website.
DEA Agent Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud
John Costanzo Jr., a veteran DEA agent, has been sentenced to four years in prison by a federal judge for leaking sensitive intelligence to defense attorneys as part of a $100,000 bribery scheme. This action compromised drug case integrity and endangered the lives of confidential informants. Costanzo was previously found guilty of bribery and honest services electronic fraud. His case is part of a broader scandal within the DEA, highlighting issues of corruption among high-ranking officials. Costanzo's actions were driven by greed, using his expertise and network to undermine the law he was supposed to uphold.
For more information, you can read the full story on El Horizonte.
Major Drug Smuggling Operation Uncovered at Narita Airport
Japanese authorities have arrested six individuals, including a senior yakuza member of the Sumiyoshi-kai syndicate, for allegedly smuggling meth from Mexico into Japan. The operation involved concealing approximately 15 kilograms of stimulants, valued at 940 million yen (about 6 million dollars), within rollers of small conveyor belts. The drugs were discovered during a customs inspection at Narita International Airport. Investigations suggest the involvement of a Mexican drug cartel in this smuggling ring. This incident is part of a growing trend of utilizing machinery imports to smuggle illegal drugs into Japan.
For more details, visit the full story on NHK World-Japan.
Ritual Sacrifice in Mexican Senate Leads to Controversy
On April 24, 2024, a ritual involving the sacrifice of a chicken took place inside the Mexican Senate, promoted by Senator Adolfo Gómez Hernández from the Morena party. The ceremony, held on the terrace of the Senate building during the Day of the Rain, involved dancers and incense, with the act performed to align with indigenous traditions Gómez Hernández claims to adhere to. Despite prior warnings against such actions, the senator proceeded, leading to an announcement from Senate President Ana Lilia Rivera that disciplinary measures would be taken. This incident has sparked debate over the protection of indigenous practices versus legislative decorum and animal welfare within government premises.
For more details, you can read the full story on Zeta Tijuana.
Cartel Del Noreste Cocaine Smugglers Arrested in Laredo
Three members of the Cartel Del Noreste, identified as Rebeca Guzman-Rios, Ana Maria Escobar, and Francisco Herrera-Moresco, were arrested in Laredo, Texas, for cocaine smuggling. The arrests occurred after DEA agents set up surveillance at a local Walmart following a tip about a drug transaction. The suspects were seen transferring cocaine between vehicles and attempting to evade law enforcement, leading to their capture after a brief chase and foot pursuit. In total, 26.45 pounds of cocaine, worth an estimated $360,000, were seized. All three suspects acknowledged their roles in the operation during post-arrest interviews, confirming their actions were on behalf of the Cartel Del Noreste.
For more details, read the full story on Laredo Morning Times.
"Operation Hotline Bling" Targets Sinaloa Cartel in Inland Empire
"Operation Hotline Bling," led by the DEA Los Angeles Field Division, has significantly disrupted a Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking operation in the Inland Empire, resulting in 15 arrests and substantial drug seizures. The operation, initiated in early 2023, culminated with the seizure of 376 pounds of methamphetamine, 37.4 pounds of fentanyl, 600,000 fentanyl tablets, 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, and seven firearms. These efforts have potentially prevented the distribution of over 10 million lethal doses of fentanyl, addressing a critical public health threat. The operation highlights the collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies, aiming to dismantle drug trafficking operations that pose significant risks to community safety.
For more details, you can access the full press release on the City of Riverside website.
AMLO Criticizes US Government; US Responds to Claims
On April 25, 2024, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) vehemently criticized the United States government, calling them "liars," "decadent," and "shameless" during a press conference. AMLO's comments were in response to the US State Department's 2023 Human Rights Practices report, which he demanded be retracted, citing it as obsolete and a violation of sovereign rights. In contrast, the US State Department defended the report, emphasizing its annual publication since 1977 to assess global human rights as mandated by Congress. AMLO accused the US of not supporting Latin America since the Kennedy administration and criticized their focus on military aid rather than comprehensive support. The US spokesperson, Vedant Patel, maintained that the report does not violate international law and is a necessary tool for monitoring human rights globally.
For more information, read the full story on Zeta Tijuana.
Mother Burned Alive by Cartel
In a devastating event in Tabasco, Jessica Domínguez López tragically lost her life while saving her son during a violent attack on a bus by organized crime members. The incident occurred on the TRT bus route from Cárdenas to Comalcalco, when their bus was intercepted and set on fire by alleged members of "La Barredora" gang. Amidst the chaos, Domínguez López managed to throw her 11-year-old son out of a window to safety before succumbing to the flames herself. This act of heroism took place during a broader clash involving the Mexican military and state security, which resulted in multiple arrests and confrontations across the region.
For more information, read the full story on Milenio.
U.S. Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Network
On March 22, 2024, the U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control announced sanctions against 15 Sinaloa Cartel members and six Mexico-based businesses involved in a Black Market Peso Exchange scheme to launder millions from illicit fentanyl sales. These actions, announced by Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo in Arizona, are part of concerted efforts to disrupt the financial operations of one of the world's most notorious drug trafficking organizations, responsible for a significant portion of the fentanyl entering the United States.
For more details, read the full story on the U.S. Department of the Treasury's website.
Armored Vehicle Workshop Raided in Sonora
A clandestine workshop in Sonoyta, Sonora, used for armoring vehicles commonly known as "monsters" was raided and secured by Mexican authorities, involving the Mexican Army and the Criminal Investigation Agency. The operation revealed three armored vehicles, including a RAM with a gun turret, a Hummer H2, and a Chevrolet Silverado, along with ballistic steel plates, welding plants, assembly machines, two long guns, ammunition, suspected drugs, and spike devices.
For full details, visit Milenio.
Clash in Cárdenas Results in Five Criminals Dead
In Cárdenas, Tabasco, a violent encounter resulted in the death of five alleged criminals after a shootout with the Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana (SSPC). The incident occurred in the first section of ranchería Santana. Authorities confiscated five trucks, a compact car, four motorcycles, various firearms including a grenade launcher, ammunition, two tactical vests, chemical agents, and substances resembling drugs and gasoline. The area was cordoned off for investigation by the SSPC, which also refuted rumors that the deceased were police officers, confirming they were criminal suspects.
For full details, visit XeVT.