**SEDENA Arrests ‘El Piyi’, Leader of ‘Los Chapitos’ Hitmen in Culiacán**
On September 19, 2024, elements of the Mexican Army, known as SEDENA, detained Mario Alexander Gámez Cuevas, alias “El Piyi,” in the northwestern part of Culiacán, Sinaloa. “El Piyi” is a prominent hitman and security chief for the faction known as “Los Chapitos.” This faction includes Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, Joaquín and Ovidio Guzmán López—all sons of the notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
The military operation that led to the arrest also saw six of his associates captured. “El Piyi” is accused of being a significant instigator of violence, particularly against the gunmen loyal to Ismael Zambada Sicairos, alias “El Mayito Flaco.” The arrest took place in the Santa Fe sector of Culiacán’s northwestern zone, which has been a hotbed of clashes related to organized crime.
Furthermore, “El Piyi” has been linked to recent ambushes against the Mexican armed forces, incidents that are part of the broader conflict among organized crime groups. Notably, he had close ties to Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, alias “Nini,” the former chief hitman for “Los Chapitos.” Pérez Salas was arrested on November 22, 2023, and later extradited to the United States on May 25, 2024, to face multiple charges in federal indictments.
**Additional Information: Arrests and Increased Military Presence in Sinaloa Amid Rising Conflict**
The recent arrest of “El Piyi” is part of a broader strategy by Mexican authorities to curb the escalating violence in Sinaloa, driven by power struggles among various factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
On September 20, 2024, Mexican federal forces launched a series of intensive operations throughout Sinaloa and Sonora, targeting high-value cartel members. The operations resulted in the capture of several key figures in the Guzmán faction and seized substantial amounts of narcotics and weaponry.
Authorities have also reported an increase in military presence in hotspots like Culiacán and Mazatlán, aiming to dismantle the logistics networks that support these criminal groups. These initiatives are crucial as the Guzmán descendants attempt to consolidate power amidst internal disputes and pressure from rival cartel groups.
Local population and businesses have expressed mixed reactions to this crackdown, with some applauding the efforts to restore peace and others worried about the repercussions on civilian life and economic activities.
These recent developments underline the ongoing volatility in the region and the Mexican government’s determined efforts to combat organized crime at its roots.
Stay tuned for more updates on TJGringo.com as the situation develops.