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Sonora Intel
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Cártel de Sinaloa

fragmentedcartelUS FTO

Origin: Sinaloa, Mexico · founded 1989 · aka CDS, Sinaloa Cartel

Notes

Largest fentanyl-trafficking organization. US OFAC-designated. Internal civil war erupted after Mayo Zambada's controversial transfer to US custody.

Leadership

Splintered between Los Chapitos (Guzmán brothers) and Los Mayos (Mayo Zambada faction) since July 2024 capture of Mayo.

Estimated strength

Tens of thousands of members across factions; global reach.

Primary activities

fentanylcocainemethamphetamineheroin

Legitimate-industry exposure

USMCA tracker →
  • MiningCore· Extortion / piso

    Gold/silver mines across the 'golden triangle' (Sinaloa-Sonora-Durango) pay piso. Cananea copper mine (Grupo México) under periodic Salazar pressure.

    SonoraSinaloaDurangoChihuahua
  • Fishing / seafoodSignificant· Smuggling

    Totoaba bladder ('cocaine of the sea') and abalone pipeline to China; Sea of Cortez fishery.

    Sinaloamx-bcsBaja California
  • Fuel / huachicolSignificant· Fuel tap (huachicol)

    Pemex pipeline taps along the Pacific corridor.

    SinaloaSonora

Narco-política cases

Integrity tracker →
  • ConvictedNarco-política · Feb 21, 2023Tens of millions USD alleged
    Genaro García Luna — convicted of taking Sinaloa Cartel bribes
    Genaro García Luna (Former Secretary of Public Security (Calderón admin)) · PAN-aligned
    Cartel ties:Cártel de Sinaloa
    Sectors: security, law-enforcement

    Convicted by EDNY federal jury on five counts including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and accepting tens of millions in cartel bribes from Sinaloa Cartel during his 2006-12 federal-police tenure. Sentenced October 2024 to 38+ years. Largest US prosecution of a former MX cabinet-level official.

Territories

Rivals