El Chapo’s Son, Member of Sinaloa Cartel, Arrested After Chaotic, Messy Chase in Mexico
Mexico has notched a huge victory in its war on drugs as authorities arrested one of the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, El Chapo's son, Ovidio Guzman, after what was called a very dramatic operation in Sinaloa state.
The Sinaloa cartel boss, one of the four members of Los Chapitos, El Chapo's favorite sons who are currently running the cartel's operations, was described by the United States State Department as a "high-ranking member."
According to CNN, he was previously arrested in October 2019, but cartel members attacked and forced President Manuel Lopez Obrador to order his release to prevent further bloodshed as members of the Sinaloa Cartel overwhelmed Mexican authorities.
News also reported that Ovidio Guzman is one of the biggest suppliers of illegal fentanyl in the United States. This means that his arrest is not just a win for Mexico but also something of a victory for the United States, as Ovidio targeted Americans for his sale of fentanyl-laced pills.
Sinaloa Cartel Members Attacked Culiacan but Failed to Free Ovidio Guzman This Time
When Lopez Obrador freed Ovidio, it was a point of contention in Mexico as it was seen as the country leader kowtowing to the cartels. This time, however, when the members of the cartel attacked in retaliation for their leader's arrest, they failed to force his release.
When he was arrested, local authorities in Culiacan told their citizens to take shelter at home as clashes between authorities and cartel members immediately happened. CNN described the scene as chaotic, with social media videos showing trucks on fire, as well as intense firefights near the airport, which was closed down because of the violence that ensued.
A bullet even hit an Aeromexico plane, with a video posted on social media showing the airline's passengers crouching for cover. There were no injuries reported, but the flight was immediately canceled. Aeromexico has canceled all its flights around the Sinaloan cities of Culiacan, Los Mochis, and Mazatlan.
Lopez Obrador also commented on the huge operation that happened in Culiacan, admitting that it had been underway since dawn, as alleged members of the Sinaloa Cartel looted vehicles and used them as narco blockades across Culiacan in an effort to free Ovidio,
The city is still not yet secure, as reports indicate that cartel members are still burning cars and engaging authorities around Culiacan. Schools have since closed down and classes canceled, with citizens being advised to stay indoors.
Ovidio Guzman Arrest Came Before Joe Biden, Justin Trudeau Visit Mexico City
The Associated Press noted that this high-profile operation that resulted in the capture of one of the most wanted men worldwide came just a few days before the leaders of the United States and Canada were about to meet with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in Mexico City for the North American Leaders' Summit.
Among the top talking points between the three strongest men in North America are drug trafficking and immigration.
The United States is expected to request for Ovidio to be extradited. His father, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, is currently imprisoned in one of the most secure prisons in the country.
READ MORE: El Chapo Sons: Notorious Los Chapitos Are on the Rise in Mexico's Powerful Sinaloa Cartel
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Written by: Rick Martin
WATCH: Son of drug lord 'El Chapo' captured in Mexico, authorities say - ABC 7 Chicago