A dangerous collaboration between two prominent criminal organizations in Mexico is posing a serious threat to escalate the ongoing drug conflict in the country, potentially impacting the United States as well.
The CJNG and Los Chapitos, known for their criminal activities, have joined forces to create a ‘super cartel’ following recent crackdowns. This partnership is expected to increase the flow of drugs and firearms into the US, prompting heightened vigilance from President Donald Trump.
According to a recent report by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the CJNG and the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel are set to form an alliance, potentially expanding their territories and criminal capabilities, which could lead to more drug trafficking and arms smuggling across the US-Mexico border.
The entrance of La Mayiza into certain regions in Mexico has driven these alliances, despite historical animosities between the gangs in those areas. The resulting collaboration is anticipated to escalate violence in the region due to potential clashes.
Renowned author Ioan Grillo, known for his ‘El Narco’ book series, mentioned that the leader of Los Chapitos, ‘El Chapito,’ son of the notorious drug lord El Chapo, opted for an alliance with the CJNG as a strategic move to counter the growing influence of the La Mayiza faction following the arrests of his siblings earlier this year.
While El Chapito remains a fugitive with a substantial bounty on his head, his half-brothers are facing legal proceedings in the US, potentially weakening his position within the Sinaloa Cartel and leading to closer ties with the CJNG to maintain his authority.
Meanwhile, the La Mayiza faction has been gaining support among local crime figures by aligning with Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, a top leader of the Sinaloa Cartel who was apprehended last year.
The potential formation of a Los Chapitos-CJNG alliance is expected to trigger violent confrontations in Mexico, a country that has witnessed a significant number of deaths related to organized crime over the past decade.
Moreover, the strengthened collaboration between Los Chapitos and CJNG could result in increased trafficking of drugs and weapons into the US, impacting both nations. Despite internal conflicts, the Sinaloa Cartel has expanded its operations globally, including into Europe, Asia, and the UK, with ties to Eastern European criminal groups involved in cocaine smuggling.
Recent reports from the DEA have highlighted concerning practices within the Sinaloa Cartel, such as mixing fentanyl with xylazine, a sedative linked to higher overdose risks, underscoring the dangers associated with these criminal organizations.