Key Figure in “Los Chapitos” Takes a Fatal Hit During Mexican Operation
In a major development shaking the underworld, Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, a high-profile member of the notorious “Los Chapitos” cartel, lost his life during a daring law enforcement operation in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. This announcement came directly from Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, who confirmed the death on Saturday.
Known in cartel circles by his alias “El Perris,” Figueroa Benítez was the target of a complex manhunt that ended in Navolato, a town located just 32 kilometers—or about 19 miles—away from Culiacán, the state capital. The operation aimed to capture this key player in the criminal organization, but it ultimately resulted in his death.
Who Was Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez?
To understand the gravity of this event, it’s important to know who Figueroa Benítez was. The U.S. government had identified him as a major player within “Los Chapitos,” the faction descended from the infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The group has been a thorn in the side of law enforcement for years, involved in extensive narcotics trafficking, violence, and money laundering.
Figueroa Benítez’s criminal portfolio was serious. He was wanted on multiple federal charges including conspiracy to import and traffic fentanyl—a powerful synthetic opioid that has caused a devastating overdose crisis across the United States. Additionally, he faced allegations related to possession of machine guns, destructive devices, and money laundering conspiracies.
A Price on His Head
Highlighting just how serious the U.S. authorities viewed Figueroa Benítez, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had offered a bounty of up to $1 million for information leading to his capture. This level of reward underscores the threat he represented on both sides of the border, given his ties to large-scale fentanyl trafficking and armed violence.
A Troubled History: The “Culiacanazo” Incident
The region around Culiacán has been a hotspot for cartel violence, and a flashback to 2019 reveals the kind of chaos these groups can unleash. In October of that year, an incident known as the “Culiacanazo” shook the entire country. The Mexican military captured Ovidio Guzmán López, son of “El Chapo,” in a coordinated operation. However, the capture set off a violent chain reaction.
Armed cartel members retaliated fiercely, engaging in fierce gun battles across the city. The violence was so intense and widespread that Mexican authorities ultimately released Ovidio Guzmán. The official rationale? To “save lives” and prevent further bloodshed.
Ovidio Guzmán’s Legal Journey in the U.S.
Fast forward to 2023, and Ovidio Guzmán was extradited to the United States to face trial on serious charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering. Initially, he pleaded not guilty. However, according to court documents obtained by CNN, there is now anticipation that Guzmán may change his plea. This potential shift hints at ongoing legal negotiations or plea deals behind the scenes.
Family Moves and Possible DOJ Deal
In an intriguing twist, earlier this May, a U.S. government source revealed to CNN that several relatives of Ovidio Guzmán crossed into the United States through the San Ysidro port of entry, which connects Tijuana, Mexico, with San Diego, California. This movement is believed to be part of a confidential agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The details of this deal, however, remain under wraps. CNN has reached out to both U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice for confirmation and comment, but no official statements have been made. It’s unclear if these family members are currently in any witness protection program or another form of government custody.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
What makes this story particularly compelling isn’t just the death of one cartel member, but what it reveals about the ongoing battle between Mexican and U.S. law enforcement agencies and powerful criminal organizations like “Los Chapitos.” Here are a few takeaways:
-
Cross-border collaboration: The DEA’s involvement and the U.S. offering a $1 million reward highlight the cooperative efforts between the two countries in tackling narcotics trafficking and cartel violence.
-
The fentanyl crisis: The focus on fentanyl trafficking charges ties this case directly to one of the most devastating public health crises in recent U.S. history. Combatting fentanyl networks remains a top priority.
-
Cartel influence and instability: The violent episodes such as the “Culiacanazo” demonstrate how cartel power can disrupt even the most heavily policed regions, showing their dangerous influence over local communities.
-
Legal maneuvering and potential deals: The possibility that Ovidio Guzmán will change his plea, along with the mysterious movement of his relatives into the U.S., suggests ongoing negotiations, which could have major implications for cartel prosecutions.
The Ongoing Challenge in Sinaloa
Sinaloa state has long been a battleground for cartel power struggles. The death of Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez represents a blow to “Los Chapitos,” but it’s unlikely to be the end of the story. Cartels are known to replace fallen leaders quickly, often leading to cycles of violence and power shifts.
Authorities on both sides of the border are watching closely to see how the cartel adapts, and whether law enforcement can capitalize on this moment to dismantle key networks and disrupt the flow of deadly drugs.
What’s Next?
The death of “El Perris” could trigger:
-
Retaliatory violence by the cartel as they seek to reassert control.
-
Shifts in cartel leadership that may either weaken or strengthen their operations.
-
New legal developments stemming from the extradition and trial of Ovidio Guzmán.
-
Continued cross-border law enforcement operations, as the DEA and Mexican authorities maintain pressure.
Final Thoughts
This story is far from over. The war against powerful criminal organizations like “Los Chapitos” is complicated and ongoing. The recent operation that took down Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez is a clear signal that law enforcement remains committed to disrupting these networks—despite the enormous risks involved.
As developments unfold, it will be critical to watch how the cartel responds, what new legal moves are made in U.S. courts, and how this impacts the broader fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence in North America.
Login