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A son of the co-founder of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel has pleaded guilty to US drug trafficking offenses and has agreed to assist US authorities in their investigations. Ovidio Guzmán, the son of cartel co-founder Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, entered a guilty plea for four counts, including drug distribution and participating in a continuing criminal enterprise, in a Chicago court on Friday. As part of his plea agreement, he has agreed to cooperate with US authorities, including providing testimony in criminal or civil proceedings. The charges he pleaded guilty to carry a minimum 10-year sentence with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. He is set to be sentenced in September, with the court imposing an $80 million judgment against him, representing proceeds linked to the offenses.
Guzmán, who is one of the four sons of El Chapo known as “Los Chapitos,” led a significant faction of the cartel that shifted towards synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, under their leadership. This collaboration with US authorities comes at a time when the Trump administration is increasing pressure on Mexico over drug cartels, causing concerns within the political sphere in Mexico. Guzmán’s cooperation could potentially reveal valuable information about the cartel’s connections to politicians.
The Sinaloa Cartel is believed to be the world’s biggest network producing illegal fentanyl, a dangerous opioid that has been a leading cause of death among young Americans. The White House has accused Mexico’s government of having ties to the drug trade and has labeled the cartels as terrorist organizations. President Trump’s administration has not ruled out military intervention to combat the flow of fentanyl across the border.
Guzmán’s extradition to the US in 2023 and his brother Joaquín’s arrest in Texas last year, along with former business partner Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, have sparked rumors of potential deals with prosecutors. The internal conflict within the cartel has led to a deadly battle between factions loyal to El Chapo’s sons and those supporting Zambada in their home state of Sinaloa, resulting in a significant number of homicides and missing persons.
The collaboration between Guzmán and US authorities highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and combat the illicit drug trade. As the investigation continues, more information is expected to emerge, shedding light on the intricate network of drug trafficking and its impact on both Mexico and the United States.
