The internal dispute within the Sinaloa Cartel has escalated to unprecedented levels, reaching high-profile political figures. This time, the Los Chapitos faction, led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has set its sights on the governor of Durango, Esteban Villegas.
An image, spread on social networks, shows a message attributed to Los Chapitos in which they offer a reward of 10 million pesos for information that leads to the capture or death of the governor.
The statement signed by Alejandro López Guzmán, who identifies himself as a cousin of “Los Menores,” accuses the state governor of collaborating with the rival organization of Los Cabrera Sarabia, linked to Ismael Zambada Sicairos, alias “El Mayito Flaco,” who leads the La Mayiza faction after the fall of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
In addition, the publication promises 2 million pesos for each official who is shown to protect this faction.
The message spread on social networks states: “From this moment on we offer 10 million pesos as a reward for information that leads to the capture and/or death of the narco governor of Durango Esteban Villegas for his relationship and cooperation to protect the narcoterrorists of Los Cabrera and their organization in the state of Durango, providing them with security and free distribution of drugs. 2 million pesos are offered for each commander and government person who is involved with Los Cabrera. A REWARD OF $10 MILLION PESOS IS OFFERED, TOTAL CONFIDENTIALITY.”
So far, Villegas Villarreal has not issued an official statement about the threat, and state authorities have not confirmed whether additional security measures have been taken for his protection.
Also in flyers
Days before the publication of the alleged reward, on January 25, alleged members of Los Chapitos dropped flyers from a small plane in mountain towns in Durango, in which they accuse 29 public figures of collaborating with “El Mayito Flaco” and Los Cabrera Sarabia.
The flyers included photographs and names of politicians, officials and businessmen, accusing them of providing protection to the enemy faction within the Sinaloa Cartel. They appear on the list.
It should be noted that among the names appears that of the governor, as well as Sonia Yadira de la Garza, prosecutor of Durango; Oscar Galvan, Secretary of State Public Security; Jorge Herrera Caldera, former governor; Antonio Rosso Holguin, father-in-law of the current governor; Jose Ramon Enriquez and Gina Campuzano, senators; Toño Ochoa, mayor of Durango; Lety Herrera Ale, mayor of Gomez Palacio; among others.
The document claims that the aforementioned have facilitated drug trafficking and protection for Los Cabrera Sarabia, pointing directly to Alejandro Cabrera Sarabia (“El 02”), José Luis Cabrera Sarabia (“El 02 bis”) and Ramón Peña Pérez (“El 22”), who operate under the orders of “El Mayito Flaco”.
The war of rewards
The strategy of Los Chapitos of offering rewards for key members of the rival faction has been a recurring element in the internal war within the Sinaloa Cartel, which broke out on September 9.
The first reward that appeared was when Los Chapitos offered 3 million pesos for Juan Carlos Félix Gastélum, alias “El Chavo Félix”, operator of La Mayiza and husband of Teresita Zambada Ortiz, daughter of “El Mayo”.
On January 18, 2025, Félix Gastélum was captured in Quilá, Sinaloa, during a joint operation by the Mexican Army and the National Guard. His arrest was interpreted as a significant blow to the “El Mayito Flaco” faction, and his location was reportedly leaked after the bounty was announced.
Days later, on January 22, the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán released a message offering 1 million pesos for Juan Pedro Gómez López, alias “El Comanche,” head of security for “El Mayito Flaco.”
The statement said: “This person is dedicated to killing innocent people, including women, children and the elderly… Greater discretion is offered. If you have the location of this innocent killer, tell us and take the reward. For a better Sinaloa.”
In this context, the appearance of the message against the governor of Durango marks an unprecedented escalation in the fight between Los Chapitos and La Mayiza. The dispute for control of the Sinaloa Cartel has triggered a series of attacks, blockades and executions, totaling more than 800 murders and more than 900 disappearances since September 2024.
Source: infobae
