The Favor That Freed a Narco Trustee: How the State Shields the Zambadas

He’s not crying. He’s not begging. He’s naming names.

In a short, clearly shot video—just under 90 seconds, like he’s trying to beat the buzzer—José Manuel Hernández Carillo, a state official from Sinaloa’s infrastructure division, lays out what victims, rivals, and insiders have whispered for years: politicians and military commanders are protecting Mayito Flaco Zambada.

Not by accident. Not by omission. But with intent—and coordination.

On March 21, 2025, the trustee (síndico) of San José de las Bocas was detained in Cosalá during an operation by the Mexican Navy (Semar). Marco Antonio Hernández was arrested alongside three others with long arms and drugs.

And just like that, he walked.

He didn’t lawyer up, he didn’t vanish. He was released within hours, and no charges were filed. There was no press conference, and no accountability.

Why? Because his brother, José Manuel, had a direct line to the military. And what that confession video reveals is more than just nepotism—it’s the mechanics of how Mayito Flaco’s faction of the Sinaloa Cartel is being shielded from the inside.

Where Government Ends and the Cartel Begins

“My name is José Manuel Hernández Carillo. I’m an auxiliary assistant at the Culiacán Highway Bureau,” the man says, calm as a meter reader.

His brother, Marco, had been picked up in Cosalá with long arms. It should’ve been a high-profile case. Instead, José made one call to Captain Efrén Ortega—a senior officer in Naval Region 8 and a standing member of the Culiacán Security Committee.

Their relationship wasn’t distant. José says plainly:

“I’ve asked him for favors before… sending special operations to places where Los Mayos are losing.”

Ortega’s reach spans southern Sinaloa—a strategic zone where control means power. But José didn’t just implicate Ortega. He names General Fuentes Véles and General Schazarino—both commanders in Sinaloa’s military zones—men who have been “in contact” with Ortega regarding operations.

The Paper Trail No One Wants to Touch

While José’s video was circulating through underground channels, a quieter version hit the press. Local outlets confirmed that Semar detained Marco Antonio Hernández, that drugs and guns were seized, and that within hours, he was free. Not bailed out. Not exonerated. Just let go.

The press pointed the finger at Marco’s brother, a state-level official with government ties and school district credentials. Social media exploded with allegations of leaking intel, sabotaging rival raids, and manipulating military deployments.

The whispers turned to rage when families of murdered municipal and state officers began calling out what they believed happened: the state wasn’t infiltrated—it was already sold.

The Interrogation

Short, sharp, and surgical. Just 1 minute and 30 seconds, and José Manuel cuts right to it. Below is the full transcript, translated and transcribed by Sol Prendido.

Transcript

José Manuel Hernández Carillo:

“My name is José Manuel Hernández Carillo. I’m an auxiliary assistant at the Culiacán Highway Bureau. I’m here because last March 21 in San José de Las Bocas, the neighboring town of Cosalá, my brother who is a municipal trustee by the name of Marco Antonio Hernández was detained with long arms.”

“When my family called me, I was forced to ask Captain Efrén Ortega for a favor. He belongs to the Eighth Naval Region and is currently working on the Culiacán Security Committee. His collaboration extends from Culiacán to the southern end of the state.”

“Our friendship took place when I met him at the Culiacán Security Committee. Having said that, I’ve asked him for favors to send special operations to the area where Los Mayos are losing. In addition to this, I also have knowledge that General Fuentes Véles, commander of the military zone, and General Schazarino, the commander of the military zone, have been in contact with him.”

José Manuel named names—ranks, commanders, the whole chain. Days later, he was found dead in a cheap motel room used for escorts. Shot and left behind. Whatever protection he had didn’t hold. Someone made the call.

As long as captains take favors and generals answer calls, this war will never end.

Not because the cartels won’t stop fighting.

Because the politicians and military commanders won’t stop asking for more.