Narcomessages Uncover Alleged Gulf Cartel Ties with Tamaulipas Authorities, Sparking Unrest and Threatening Peace Pact

In Tamaulipas, recent discoveries of narco messages have stirred tensions by suggesting a breakdown of a peace pact in the region due to actions by security forces. These messages, found on blankets, allege a connection between local authorities and the Scorpión Group, a known faction of the Gulf Cartel. Found on Sunday, December 24, these messages were directed to Luis Cresencio Sandoval, the head of the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena).

One of the messages openly accuses Tamaulipas’s security personnel of violating a peace pact, leading to increased violence and unrest. It specifically criticizes the Secretary of Public Security for ineffectiveness in controlling the surge in violent incidents. The narcomessage further identifies “Kena 19,” alleged to be a leader of the Scorpión faction, implicating him and his group in colluding with corrupt security forces.

Symbolically, the messages feature two white pigeons at the top corners, an emblem previously associated with the Gulf Cartel in other communications, including a 2019 message proposing a “truce.” The strategic placement of these messages near an airport and air force facilities further underscores the intended impact and audience. Videos shared on X (formerly Twitter) display these messages prominently, emphasizing their threatening presence.

The Scorpión Group, linked to the Gulf Cartel, has a notorious history. Initially formed as a personal guard for the cartel leader Tony Tormenta, the group was presumed dissolved after he died in 2010. However, reports suggest that the Scorpions retreated and later allied with another faction, the Cyclones, to continue their operations in Tamaulipas. Insight Crime reports describe their collaborative actions in the region.

Additionally, recent messages found in the area have mentioned a purported alliance of rival factions, including the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG), Los Zetas Vieja Escuela, the Sinaloa Cartel, and Los Metros, all allegedly uniting against the Scorpión Group. These claims highlight the complex and shifting alliances within the cartel landscape as groups vie for power and territory.

In a related development, Ezequiel Alanis Espitia was recently sentenced to over 20 years in prison by U.S. authorities for international drug trafficking and money laundering. Identified as a leader within the Gulf Cartel, Espitia’s case, documented by the Department of Justice, sheds light on the broader network of cartel activities extending from Mexico into the United States, underlining the international implications of these criminal enterprises.

These series of events in Tamaulipas reflect the ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating organized crime and maintaining peace. The circulation of narcomessages, the alleged involvement of authorities with criminal factions, and the international ramifications of drug trafficking underscore the need for continued vigilance and cooperation across borders to address the pervasive influence of cartels. As investigations continue, understanding and addressing these criminal organizations’ root causes and network remain paramount in ensuring security and stability in the region.