### Authorities Arrest ‘El Güero’, Criminal Gang Leader in Culiacán
Sinaloa—On February 19, 2025, Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza, known by the aliases “El Güerito,” “El Werito,” “El Güero,” and “El 90,” was detained by elements of the National Defense Secretariat and the National Guard in Culiacán de Rosales. The 44-year-old detainee is believed to be the head of “Los Chimales,” a hitmen group providing protection for the notorious ‘Los Chapitos’ and key figure Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, known as “El Chapito,” the alleged leader of this criminal faction within the Sinaloa Cartel.
The arrest comes amid ongoing efforts by Mexican and U.S. authorities to dismantle organized crime syndicates operating across borders. Canobbio Inzunza, who served as a principal advisor and security chief for “El Chapito,” is highly sought after by U.S. law enforcement. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, he was a significant player in the manufacturing and smuggling of cocaine, fentanyl, and various other drugs into the United States. The arrest occurred during an investigation aimed at reducing violence in the Sinaloa region.
Following his capture, local reports indicated that Canobbio Inzunza was moved to Mexico City, although official sources remained quiet on his transportation details. The U.S. DOJ has charged him with conspiracy to produce and distribute controlled substances in the U.S., which could lead to a life sentence if convicted. This development underscores the ongoing international law enforcement collaboration against notorious figures involved in drug trafficking operations.
### Related News: Canadian Government Considers Designating Drug Cartels as Terrorist Groups
In an escalating bid to curb international crime, the Canadian government is reportedly moving to classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations. On February 19, 2025, a Canadian ambassador disclosed to a prominent Mexican politician that their government is evaluating this potential policy shift. This move would bring enhanced legal tools to bear against these groups, adopting a more robust framework similar to those applied to combat terrorism.
This update follows recent statements from global leaders calling for tougher international measures against the operational capacities of organized crime. The focus on cartels like those in Sinaloa reflects a growing international consensus that overreaching measures are required to dismantle the complex networks these organizations have built. As authorities across North America deepen their focus on cross-border crime, these developments signal a shift in the global strategy to counteract drug trafficking.