**Primary Article**
**U.S. Accuses ‘El Güero,’ Security Chief for ‘El Chapito’ and Leader of ‘Los Chimales’**
On November 7, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that a grand jury in the Northern District of Illinois, Chicago, indicted José Angel Canobbio Inzunza, also known as ‘El Güero’ or ‘El 90,’ on charges related to drug production in Mexico. The indictment, brought forward on November 4, alleges that Canobbio was involved in the manufacture and importation of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States.
Canobbio, 44, is accused of being a principal advisor, lieutenant, and head of security for Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, members of the infamous “Chapitos” faction—comprised of the offspring of notorious drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. According to the DOJ, the ‘Chapitos,’ led by Iván, continued operations after their father’s imprisonment.
The indictment claims that Canobbio conspired with the Guzmán brothers to establish drug manufacturing bases in Mexico for distribution within the United States. Furthermore, authorities allege that he managed and funded an armed security group called ‘Los Chimales,’ which ensured the safety of the Chapitos’ faction and engaged in armed conflicts to secure drug trafficking routes.
If convicted, Canobbio faces a maximum life sentence. While Canobbio is believed to be residing in Mexico, an arrest warrant has been issued by the United States authorities. The case is being pursued as part of a broader effort by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which aim to dismantle networks that pose threats to national security using a collaborative, multi-agency approach.
**Secondary Article**
**Increased Drug-Related Crackdowns Amidst Rising Tensions Between Authorities and Cartels**
The recent indictment of José Angel Canobbio Inzunza is part of a larger crackdown on drug-related activities which saw increased efforts from both U.S. and Mexican authorities to dismantle cartels’ operations. Heightened enforcement actions have coincided with growing concerns over the trafficking and production of synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, which contribute to escalating overdose rates in the United States.
Local law enforcement has been increasingly coordinated, combining federal intelligence with state and regional support to target the infrastructure of major cartels. As part of this initiative, Mexican authorities have intensified border inspections, while the U.S. has deployed technological advancements to enhance surveillance efforts.
These measures, however, have been met with intensified pushback from cartels, who have been known to retaliate violently, posing risks to security forces and civilians in affected areas. The Mexican government, seeking to curb cartel influence, has also invested in socio-economic programs aimed at reducing the financial allure of joining organized crime.
The joint efforts between the United States and Mexico mark a renewed commitment to confronting drug trafficking and highlight the necessity of continued collaboration and strategic policy initiatives to combat the far-reaching impacts of the drug trade.