In a major development, Mexico’s National Guard has apprehended Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” the alleged security chief of a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. El Nini is accused of providing protection to the sons of the infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who now lead a powerful faction of the cartel. This arrest comes as part of the US authorities’ efforts to combat the smuggling of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid, from Mexico to the United States.
The United States had previously offered a $3 million reward for any information leading to El Nini’s capture, as he is wanted there on charges related to drug trafficking and illegal weapons. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the sons of El Chapo, Ovidio Guzmán López, Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, have established a significant fentanyl-trafficking empire. This enterprise smuggles millions of doses of the dangerous opioid into the US, contributing to the ongoing opioid crisis.
While El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzmán López, was extradited to the US in September and has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges, his half-brothers, Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo, still remain at large. El Nini, a notorious hitman, is believed to have led a violent group responsible for the personal security of the cartel leaders.
The arrest took place in Culiacán, the capital of the state of Sinaloa, known as the stronghold of the Sinaloa cartel. Mexican security forces, including soldiers and members of the National Guard, carried out the operation in the Colinas de Rivera neighborhood. Reports suggest that El Nini attempted to escape by climbing onto the rooftop of a house but surrendered as shots were fired. He was promptly transported to Mexico City, and additional security measures were implemented in Culiacán to prevent any potential violence similar to what transpired during Ovidio Guzmán López’s previous arrest.
El Nini is believed to have orchestrated the cartel’s retaliation for the 2019 arrest of Ovidio Guzmán López, which triggered widespread chaos, including prison riots, shootouts, and major road blockades. The extreme violence forced President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to order the release of Guzmán López. However, he was eventually re-arrested in 2023 and extradited to the United States.
With the arrest of El Nini, a significant blow has been dealt to the Sinaloa cartel and its operations. This development showcases Mexico’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and organized crime. Furthermore, it demonstrates the ongoing cooperation between Mexican and US authorities in their joint efforts to stem the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, which continues to claim countless lives in the United States.
However, it is important to be cautious as this arrest may lead to potential retaliatory actions by the Sinaloa cartel or other criminal organizations. Law enforcement agencies in Mexico and the United States should remain vigilant and enhance security measures to prevent any escalation of violence or attempts to free El Nini or other high-value targets.
This arrest reinforces the need for continued international collaboration and coordinated efforts between countries to combat drug trafficking and dismantle powerful cartels that pose a significant threat to public health and safety. Authorities must continue to target key individuals involved in these criminal enterprises and address the root causes that allow such organizations to thrive.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to gather intelligence on the operations and networks of the Sinaloa cartel, with a focus on disrupting their drug trafficking routes, apprehending remaining high-ranking members, and working towards dismantling the entire organization. Such actions will not only safeguard communities from the destructive influence of cartels but also contribute to maintaining stability, prosperity, and the rule of law in the region.
The arrest of El Nini should serve as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the importance of comprehensive strategies that encompass law enforcement, intelligence sharing, international cooperation, and addressing socio-economic factors that drive individuals into criminal activities. By adopting a multi-faceted approach, governments can reduce the influence of cartels, protect their citizens, and create a safer and more secure future for all.
