A dangerous collaboration between two of Mexico’s most influential criminal organizations has raised concerns about escalating violence in the country’s drug trade, potentially impacting the United States. CJNG and Los Chapitos, notorious gangs in Mexico, have joined forces, forming what is referred to as a ‘super cartel’ to increase their influence following recent law enforcement actions. This partnership is expected to lead to a surge in drug and weapon trafficking into the US, prompting heightened vigilance from President Donald Trump.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration, in its latest annual report, highlighted the looming alliance between the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. This strategic partnership has the potential to expand their territories, resources, firepower, and corrupt connections, potentially shifting the criminal power dynamics in Mexico and facilitating increased drug trafficking and arms smuggling across the US-Mexico border.
The incursion of La Mayiza into Zacatecas, Sonora, and Baja California served as a catalyst for the collaboration, despite historical enmity between the gangs in those regions. The increased violence in Mexico is anticipated as a consequence of potential conflicts arising from this alliance.
Renowned author Ioan Grillo, known for the ‘El Narco’ book series, noted that the leader of Los Chapitos, ‘El Chapito,’ son of the infamous drug lord El Chapo, sought an alliance with CJNG due to losing ground to the La Mayiza faction after the arrests of his half-brothers earlier this year. While El Chapito remains a fugitive with a $10 million bounty on his head, his siblings Ovidio Guzmán López and Joaquín Guzmán López have faced legal actions in the US, potentially weakening his position within the Sinaloa Cartel and driving him towards the CJNG for support.
Meanwhile, the La Mayiza faction has garnered increased support from regional crime figures by aligning with Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, the top leader of the Sinaloa Cartel who was apprehended last year. With the emerging alliance between Los Chapitos and CJNG, a significant power shift is expected, likely leading to heightened violent confrontations in Mexico, a country that has witnessed a substantial number of deaths related to organized crime over recent years.
The repercussions of this alliance may extend beyond Mexico, with the strengthened capabilities of the united gangs potentially resulting in heightened drug and weapon trafficking into the US. Despite internal conflicts, the Sinaloa Cartel has expanded its operations globally, including in Europe, Asia, and the UK, establishing connections with Eastern European criminal networks involved in cocaine smuggling.
Moreover, the recent DEA report disclosed that the Sinaloa Cartel has been mixing fentanyl with xylazine, a sedative used for animals but associated with an increased risk of overdose, underscoring the evolving tactics and dangers posed by these criminal organizations.
