Tijuana Raid Nets Los Aquiles Cartel Leader “El Chaparro” in Major Blow to Sinaloa Cartel Operations

Tijuana, Baja California – June 3, 2025
Before sunrise on June 3, marines, federal agents, National Guard troops, and Baja state police hit a stash house in Tijuana’s Los Altos neighborhood. Inside: José Antonio Ramírez Talavera — better known as “El Chaparro” — the alleged plaza boss of Los Aquiles, a crew working under the Sinaloa Cartel banner.

The bust went down on Manuel Flores Street after intelligence work led to a court-approved raid. Officers seized over 15 kilos of narcotics, 500 “party pills”, 3 assault rifles, 5 loaded mags, 300 rounds, tactical gear, and 2 vehicles.

“El Chaparro,” 42, is accused of overseeing drug distribution and ordering hits in the city. He reports up the chain to Edgar Vicente Escobar Rodríguez — aka “Chore” or “Camarón” — who in turn answers to René Arzate García, “La Rana.” All are tied to the “Los Mayitos” wing of the Sinaloa Cartel under Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.

Authorities say his arrest guts a key node in Los Aquiles’ network — one of the main pipelines driving drug smuggling and executions in Tijuana, where border access makes turf priceless.

He’s now in custody facing federal charges for drug trafficking, homicide, and organized crime. More arrests could follow as investigators dig through the phones, cars, and data seized in the raid.