Notorious drug lord El Chapo’s legacy lives on, as his sons issue a dire warning to their cartel members to halt all fentanyl exports to the US. Is this the long-awaited end to an epidemic that claimed the lives of so many?
The Mexican Cartel’s Shift in Drug Operations
The Mexican cartel responsible for exporting fentanyl to the U.S., has given a clear order to its members: Stop smuggling opioids into America or else.
Concerns Over U.S. Law Enforcement
The Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful drug-trafficking group in Mexico, is worried about the growing pressure from U.S. drug trafficking authorities.
Meet Los Chapitos – El Chapo’s Legacy
Los Chapitos, led by the four sons of the notorious drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, issued this directive in a stark warning to its members.
A Crackdown on Fentanyl Manufacturing
Los Chapitos ordered fentanyl manufacturers in Culiacán, Sinaloa, to halt production, marked by gruesome signs and warnings for non-compliance.
Cartel Responds to U.S. Push for Strict Measures
The decision to lay low comes as the Biden administration urges Mexico to tighten its grip on the cartel responsible for the illegal drug trade, causing countless deaths in the U.S.
Crackdown on Fentanyl Production and Sales
Los Chapitos recently ordered the punishment, including murders and kidnappings, of street dealers who didn’t comply with the ban on producing and selling fentanyl.
Ovidio Guzmán’s Arrest
El Chapo’s son Ovidio Guzmán was arrested in January following a spree of drug-related and violent offenses.
Ongoing Legal Battles
Ovidio was extradited to the U.S., appearing before a federal court judge, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons charges.
Spike in Alleged Cartel Deaths Since Arrest
Since El Chapo’s son’s arrest, there has been an alleged increase in deaths within the cartel itself.
If We’re Going Down, We’re Taking You With Us!
The Sinaloa Cartel urges US officials to put the same amount of effort into the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Impact on Drug Trade
As fentanyl production decreases, the cartel expects an increase in exports of other drugs, “Exports of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to the US will likely rise in the near future to make up for the income shortfall from the fentanyl ban,” one cartel member said.
The Toll on Dealers and Distributors
The ban on fentanyl affects drug dealers, impacting their usual profits and leading to warnings against selling the drug, including stark banners posted around Mexican cities from the cartel.
Banners Send Spine-Chilling Warning
Banners posted in Sinaloan cities warned, “’We have never been nor will we be related to that business. You have been warned. Respectfully, Chapitos.”
Fears of Retaliation and Disappearances
Following Ovidio’s arrest, there’s fear within the cartel that its members might face arrests or extradition to the U.S., resulting in several disappearances.
Sinaloa Cartel’s Denial
In a public statement, the four brothers leading Los Chapitos denied involvement in fentanyl production and accused authorities of persecution.
The Lethal Toll of Fentanyl
Fentanyl-related overdoses contributed to a significant number of deaths in the U.S., prompting law enforcement agencies to seize large amounts of the lethal drug.
Cartels and the Drug Trade
Despite the decline in fentanyl production, U.S. officials remain vigilant, acknowledging the potential trafficking of other drugs by Mexican cartels.
The post Mexican Cartel Halts Fentanyl Exports to U.S., Raising Questions About Future Implications first appeared on Career Step Up.
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