Francisco Jiménez Reynoso Blames Corruption for Drug Lords Finding Safe Haven in Zapopan

Between 2025 and 2026, official reports consulted by Milenio documented high-profile operations in Jalisco—specifically in Zapopan, which has become a recurring hotspot. For instance, individuals known as “Charlie” and “El Güero Conta”—identified as financial operators linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel—were captured there. 

Meanwhile, in September—also in  Zapopan—authorities arrested “El Brilloso,” who was under investigation for the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, as well as “El Canguro,” who was wanted by courts in Seattle and Tacoma  in the United States for various crimes also linked to drug trafficking.  

That same month, “La Fiera” and “El Coreano” were also apprehended; they were linked to a cell suspected of extorting 77 locations within  the meat industry. In October—again in Zapopan—a former Marine (or one of several former Marines)  implicated in the issue of “fiscal *huachicol*” (fuel tax fraud/illicit fuel schemes) was arrested. 

Also taken into custody was an alleged operator for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel— the same group mentioned just moments ago—along with another individual who specialized in designing tunnels used to transport drugs between Tijuana and San Diego. 

Furthermore, on October 23,  Miguel Ángel Casillas—a 33-year-old U.S. citizen—was arrested; he was wanted in California for homicide and other crimes. This is the most interesting part: he is the “engineer”—the person responsible for constructing the tunnels between Tijuana and San Diego. This—well, this is in the United States, pardon me. 

And the interesting part is that the construction of these tunnels was previously the exclusive domain of the Sinaloa Cartel—even El Chapo Guzmán himself. He was the one who devised this entire network of tunnels for drug trafficking. However, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel—which, incidentally, is locked in a fierce conflict in Tijuana—has now also begun using these tunnels for drug trafficking. 

To learn more about this phenomenon, I’d like to thank Francisco Jiménez Reynoso, a security researcher at the University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, for joining us. From your perspective—it’s a pleasure to speak with you—why is this happening in Jalisco? Why, specifically, are cartel bosses hiding in Zapopan? 

What are the state authorities offering them? Above all, it’s protection. 

Good to see you. Good evening. 

Good evening, Jorge. Good evening to everyone watching us. 

Well, indeed, dear Jorge, the phenomenon we are seeing in the state of Jalisco—and specifically in the municipality of Zapopan—is something that has developed over the years. 

It dates back to the late 1980s. There was a major realignment in our country, driven by pressure—much like what we are seeing right now—from U.S. authorities, particularly against the Sinaloa Cartel. This led to the displacement of some very powerful figures; they moved from Sinaloa to Jalisco—to thriving municipalities like Guadalajara—with the municipality of Zapopan becoming the “crown jewel” for the Sinaloa group. 

Just recall those massive estates—you can still see some remnants along Avenida Acueducto—that belonged to very powerful drug traffickers from the 80s and 90s. We’re talking about a span of more than 40 years, Jorge. During that time, they systematically corrupted municipal and state authorities, while at the federal level, there was either a lack of jurisdiction or a constant passing of the buck regarding responsibility. 

Ultimately, what has emerged in this municipality is a very solid structure—built through corruption—that provides them with a comfortable environment. And, Jorge, we can no longer simply call them “drug traffickers”—that term is far too limiting. We have to talk about organized crime, which engages in various activities—extortion, “protection” rackets—and there are even call centers in this municipality that we’ve become aware of. 

There are also numerous, significant “safe houses”—in short, a whole cocktail of criminal activities, all fueled by the impunity and corruption that stem from it, Jorge. Well, you have full knowledge of what is happening in Jalisco, and as you just mentioned, this isn’t a new issue; it’s something that has been developing for decades—at least 40 years, as you noted, right? 

It began with the arrival of the first families associated with the Guadalajara Cartel—people like Caro Quintero and Don Neto—and that is how this network was woven. It’s even known that many people linked to drug-trafficking families studied in Guadalajara, built their lives there, and continue to reside there, right? Later, the Sinaloa Cartel arrived with El Chapo Guzmán’s associates, and they also established themselves there. 

It’s even known that El Chapo’s sons attended universities in Guadalajara. Nacho Coronel lived there, too. And what we are seeing today is that high-profile criminals—wanted both here in Mexico and in the United States—have used the municipality of Zapopan as a hideout. And—to address your last question, given that we are running out of time—it’s worth noting that Zapopan, along with the municipality of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, has become a hub for the laundering of illicitly obtained funds. 

That is exactly right, Jorge; that is the core issue. It is a paradise for organized crime because, here in the municipality of Zapopan in particular, these individuals are transformed into respected figures—all because of the money they possess. …laundering of funds—they become business owners—and their children study at the best private universities in our state. 

Indeed, the children of major cartel bosses—some of whom were, at one point, among the most wanted individuals globally—have lived here. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Francisco; I appreciate you joining us. We will continue to follow the investigations, as well as other security-related issues in Jalisco. Best regards to you in Guadalajara.

See you soon. Have a very good night.

Source: Milenio