Alleged Los Chapitos operator detained in Mazatlán

Reporting and context

Federal authorities detained Jesús Antonio “N,” known as “El Peli,” in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, along with four other people, according to El País México. Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch identified El Peli as an alleged violence generator and a relevant operator for Genaro Aarón Pérez Avendaño, known as “El 21” or “El Chamaco,” of Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The account described the detention as part of a coordinated security operation involving military, naval and intelligence personnel.

El País México reported, citing information released by authorities, that El Peli allegedly coordinated logistics, supplies and financial resources derived from drug sales and participated in kidnappings. Those are allegations attributed to the authorities and do not constitute a court finding. The operation was carried out by the Defense Ministry, Navy, Security Ministry, Attorney General's Office and National Intelligence Center, according to the official account.

The report also cited security sources who described Pérez Avendaño and his brother Adrián, known as “El 20,” as increasingly important figures within the Los Chapitos faction led by Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar. Authorities have alleged that the brothers coordinate armed cells in Mazatlán and nearby municipalities. El País México said the detention forms part of President Claudia Sheinbaum's effort to reinforce security in Sinaloa, where fighting between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza has continued since the 2024 capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. The report said García Harfuch announced earlier in September that additional personnel and vehicles would be sent to Mazatlán, where the state already had more than 2,000 security personnel.