Culiacán, Sinaloa — Today, the once-mighty Sinaloa Cartel is in chaos. Its collapse was set in motion long before this morning’s violent showdown in Culiacán, but today marks a critical moment in the cartel’s demise.
El Chapo’s Extradition to the U.S.
The first blow came in 2017 with the extradition of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán to New York. His removal from Mexico left a leadership vacuum. In his absence, his sons, known as Los Chapitos, began to assert dominance. Instead of continuing their father’s cooperative relationship with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the brothers became increasingly aggressive, aiming to control the cartel on their own.
The Rise of Synthetic Drugs
The second factor was the rise of synthetic drugs, particularly fentanyl. Los Chapitos mastered its production, allowing them to gain immense wealth and power. This newfound wealth created a rift within the cartel, as Los Chapitos no longer needed to share resources with Zambada’s faction. Their heavy investments in sicarios and weapons created a rival powerhouse within the once-unified cartel.
The Kidnapping of El Mayo
The third event marked the point of no return: the kidnapping of El Mayo Zambada earlier this year, ordered by Joaquín Guzmán López, one of Los Chapitos. This act of betrayal shattered any hopes of a peaceful power-sharing arrangement. Zambada’s abduction was an unforgivable act, igniting the desire for revenge in Zambada’s loyalists and setting the stage for war.
Flaco Mayito’s Revenge and the Outbreak of War
Six weeks later, the fourth and final event struck today as Mayit Flaco, son of El Mayo, took command of his father’s forces. Seeking vengeance for his father’s kidnapping, Mayito Flaco launched a coordinated attack on Los Chapitos. Early this morning, heavily armed convoys rolled into Culiacán, starting a full-scale war. Videos shared on social media show fierce fighting in the streets, with convoys of sicarios exchanging fire in a battle for dominance.
The war isn’t just about territory or drugs—it’s personal. Mayito Flaco’s desire for revenge has driven the cartel into a bloody conflict that will forever alter its future.
Conclusion
What was once the most powerful cartel in Mexico is now at war with itself. The extradition of El Chapo, the rise of synthetic drugs, the kidnapping of El Mayo, and Mayito Flaco’s revenge have shattered the Sinaloa Cartel. The streets of Culiacán, once the cartel’s stronghold, are now a battleground, signaling the end of an era.
Thanks for reading!
Mica
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11 Comments
Thank you for the write up!
Thanks for reading!
I would even add the testimony of the zambadas in el chapós trial as the start of a strained relationship between the chapitos and the zambadas. It created a hostile environment that ultimately made any minor situation into a full blown conflict. Saludos!!
Excellent point!
I disagree. The ones that testified aren’t in the game anymore, so although maybe there was some conflicting feelings their, they are feelings that could have been easily put in the rear view. Remember , it was Mayo that Ivan and his brother have to thank that they are still alive (although Mayo probably regrets it). In my opinion, Chapo’s extradition was part of the main reason as to the end of the CDS, or at the very least it’s weakening and it’s collapsing in itself. The main reason is los chapitos. They didn’t respect their father’s wishes of Damaso taking Chapo’s spot. They were to greedy and egotistical to let that happen. If they would of went along with their dad’s wishes, CDS would have stayed unified , and they would have been stronger than before Mayo got turned in. That’s just my humble opinion.
I agree with you, but just because Vicente is courtside doesn’t mean the Chapitos have forgiven or forgotten. No matter who’s at fault, these guys are driven by ego, not reason. To them, everyone is expendable and they don’t need the money.
In one way it’s sad to see from a powerhouse to a CDG v2.
The only sad thing is the increase in violence and what the general population will have to go through during this civil war.
But but but
I would say the 2nd was the original Culiacanazo and the fact that MZ people
Didn’t want to get involved. It was smart on their part so they don’t bring the heat but still a sign of disrespect.
At this point we can all come to the consensus that Ivan, like probably most narcos , is a narcissistic sociopath. A sociopath has no moral or reasonable acuity . Any slight, any perceived disrespect, jealousy , envy, greed, will cause them to start conflict. I’ll even add, Ivan started disliking Los mayos during the ántrax era, where they received all the attention. And when his father was arrested and extradited, he had no one to deter him from puffing his chest. And now that el mayo is in the Us, well here we are.