Mexican authorities have apprehended a pilot believed to be associated with Los Chapitos, a prominent faction within the infamous Mexican Drug Cartels. Los Chapitos is led by the sons of the incarcerated drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The arrest of the pilot, known as “El Jando,” took place in Culiacán, a northern city recognized as a stronghold for Los Chapitos. The operation, which led to “El Jando’s” detention, also resulted in the death of a soldier.
Twitter/@OHarfuch A photo showing
Mexican security forces released a photo of “El Jando” following his arrest in Culiacán, a city known for its connection to mexican drug cartels.
According to Mexican intelligence sources, “El Jando” is considered a significant figure within the Los Chapitos organization. He is further alleged to have played a crucial role in the elaborate scheme that resulted in the capture of another major cartel leader, “El Mayo” Zambada, in the United States.
Following his arrest in the early hours of Saturday, “El Jando’s” legal representatives have requested additional time from the courts to adequately prepare his defense against the charges. While the arrest occurred on Saturday, detailed information regarding the specific accusations against him has only recently been disclosed to the public.
Mexico’s security minister confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that “El Jando” was indeed the trusted pilot of the Los Chapitos leadership. Prosecutors contend that beyond his piloting skills, “El Jando” was deeply enmeshed in the illicit activities of mexican drug cartels, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and involvement in multiple explosive attacks directed at security forces.
However, the primary focus of Mexican intelligence services now rests on extracting information from “El Jando” concerning a clandestine flight. This flight is believed to be the one that delivered the highly sought-after drug kingpin “El Mayo” into the custody of U.S. federal agents, an event that has sent ripples through the complex web of mexican drug cartels.
U.S. officials have put forth a narrative suggesting that “El Mayo’s” capture was not accidental but rather a calculated betrayal orchestrated by Joaquín Guzmán López, one of “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons. The allegation is that Guzmán López deceived the veteran cartel leader “El Mayo,” a long-time ally of his father, into boarding a plane that ultimately crossed into U.S. airspace. “El Mayo”, at 75 years old, had managed to evade capture for three decades, making his apprehension a significant blow to the mexican drug cartels landscape.
Photos released by U.S. law enforcement agencies depict the arrest of both men at a private airport near El Paso, Texas. U.S. agents were visibly present on the tarmac, indicating they were prepared and waiting for the arrival of the aircraft.
Those loyal to “El Mayo” believe Joaquín Guzmán López delivered the cartel leader to U.S. authorities as part of a calculated strategy. This alleged betrayal is believed to be a move by Guzmán López to negotiate a reduced sentence for himself in exchange for handing over a rival within the mexican drug cartels hierarchy.
Reuters A courtroom sketch shows accused Mexican kingpin Ismael
A courtroom sketch depicting Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a high-ranking figure in mexican drug cartels, who has pleaded not guilty to drug charges in the US.
The lawyer representing “El Mayo” has refuted the claim that his client was “duped.” Instead, the lawyer stated that “El Mayo” was coerced onto the plane by Joaquín Guzmán López. According to the lawyer’s account to the LA Times newspaper, “He was ambushed, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed… he was then thrown into the back of a pickup truck and taken to a landing strip; there, he was forced onto a plane, his legs tied to the seat by Joaquín, and brought to the US against his will.” The lawyer further clarified that the only individuals aboard the aircraft were “the pilot, Joaquín, and my client.”
Image of the aircraft suspected of transporting Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure in mexican drug cartels, which landed in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, near El Paso.
While the identity of the pilot who flew the plane remains unconfirmed, and it is still unclear whether “El Jando”—the pilot recently arrested—was at the controls or played a different role in planning the operation, Mexican prosecutors are optimistic that he possesses crucial information regarding the flight. This flight ultimately led to the apprehension of both Guzmán López and “El Mayo,” events that have significantly impacted the power dynamics within mexican drug cartels.
Since his capture, “El Mayo” has entered a plea of not guilty in a U.S. court to an extensive list of drug-related charges. Meanwhile, lawyers representing Joaquín Guzmán López have indicated that their client is currently engaged in plea negotiations, further highlighting the complex legal and cartel dynamics at play within the world of mexican drug cartels. The alleged betrayal of “El Mayo” by Guzmán López has reportedly triggered a schism within their cartel network. Factions loyal to “El Mayo,” known as “Los Mayos” or “La Mayiza,” are now allegedly engaged in conflict with those aligned with Guzmán López, adding another layer of violence and instability to the already volatile landscape of mexican drug cartels.
