“Orders are Carried out Right Here”: The Narco Ballad that Allegedly Reveals ‘El Benny 17’s’ Network in Mazatlán

Who is the mysterious operative keeping southern Sinaloa under fire while his true identity remains hidden? More than two years after the outbreak of the internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel, violence has been heavily concentrated in the state’s southern municipalities—such as Mazatlán, Rosario, Concordia, and Escuinapa. In addition to constant homicides and armed clashes, a violent riot at the El Castillo prison in Mazatlán left over ten people dead, raising alarms among federal forces. 

Amidst this situation, a mysterious alias has gained prominence: “El Benny,” “El 17,” or “Benny 17.” He is a key operative for *Los Chapitos*—the faction led by Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Although his face and real name remain unknown, *narcocorridos* (drug ballads) have begun to reveal crucial clues about his role in the criminal underworld. 

In 2025, the singer Arredondo released a song dedicated to him titled “El 17.” The lyrics confirm that he answers directly to Víctor Manuel Barraza Pablos—alias “El 40″—the *Chapitos’* plaza boss in Mazatlán. Under “El 40’s” command, and alongside other associates like Óscar Martínez Larios (nicknamed “El Caso”), Benny 17 operates primarily in the Villa Unión district. From there, he coordinates armed cells that have sparked clashes with both rivals and security forces. 

The most significant blow to his organization’s structure occurred in the El Roble district, where a massive operation involving the Army, the Navy, and the National Guard resulted in the arrest of 28 individuals and the seizure of 15 long guns and nearly 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Local sources indicated that those arrested were directly linked to “Benny 17’s” group. 

Following that operation, rumors circulated on social media regarding his capture—or even his death—accompanied by AI-generated *corridos*. However, Mexican authorities have not confirmed either his arrest or his demise. Benny 17 continued to operate within the shadows of organized crime. Do you think such individuals are real figures with absolute power, or are they myths amplified by *corridos*?

Source: Milenio