“Char” for Borderland Beat
This article was translated and reposted from RIODOCE
MAY 10, 2024.
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said in its 2024 report that Ismael El Mayo Zambada, one of the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, is in poor health.
According to the US agency, El Mayo “is not in good health,” raising questions about the stability of his leadership of the faction.
This adds to a scenario of internal conflict within the cartel, which the DEA describes as an “umbrella” model comprised of four distinct but collaborative criminal organizations.
Apart from the faction led by El Mayo, the Chapitos, El Guano and Rafael Caro Quintero are all vying for leadership.
This separate structure, according to the DEA, gives the bosses the ability to share resources; however, it notes, that they do not share profits or have to answer to a main chain of command.
Tension within the cartel has been exacerbated in recent years, according to intelligence reports from both DEA and Mexican military sources. Los Chapitos have emerged as a prominent force, challenging Mayo’s leadership and seeking to consolidate their influence within the cartel.
HEIR TO THE THRONE “MAYITO FLACO” SON AND SUCCESSOR OF MAYO ZAMBADA
