Mexico captures son of “El Chapo” infographic
Graphic shows areas of operation of Mexico’s two main drug cartels.
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CRIME

Deadly riots grip Mexico after arrest of El Chapo’s son

By Jordi Bou

January 6, 2023 - The capture of drug cartel leader Ovidio Guzman, son of jailed kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, triggered a wave of violence ahead of a visit by U.S. President Joe Biden.

The violence took place largely in the city of Culiacan in the Sinaloa state, home to the powerful drug cartel of the same name that El Chapo headed before his extradition to the U.S. in 2017.

Seven members of the security forces had been killed, including a colonel, and 21 had been injured as well as eight civilians. Gang members set up road blocks, set fire to vehicles and attacked a local airport.

Ovidio's latest capture comes before a North American leaders' summit in Mexico City next week, which U.S. President Joe Biden will attend and is expected to discuss security

A surge in overdose deaths in the United States, fueled by the synthetic opioid fentanyl, has led to increased pressure on Mexico to combat organizations, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, responsible for producing and shipping the drug.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 06/01/2023; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: U.S. State Department, Getty Images
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