Drug enforcement agents had long tried to solve the mystery of “El Padrino,” a shadowy, powerful force. They’ve now identified him as Salvador Cienfuegos, Mexico’s defense chief from 2012 to 2018.
Tag: Drug Cartels
Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, Mexico’s Ex-Defense Minister, Is Arrested in L.A.
Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, who was detained at the airport, is the first high-ranking Mexican military official to be taken into custody in the U.S. in connection with drug-related corruption.
Mexico Seizes Crime Boss El Marro, Under Pressure to Cut Violence
While the arrest of José Antonio Yépez delivers a major blow to a cartel, analysts say officials lack a cohesive strategy against debilitating crime.
Mexican Officials Blame Cartel Turf War for Mass Killing
Violence in many countries has waned during the coronavirus pandemic, but not in Mexico, and warfare between rival criminal gangs has devastated the state of Guanajuato.
Mexico Police Chief Shot in Possible Assassination Attempt
The attackers shot the head of police three times, and killed three people, in an attack that may signal a new front in the battle between security forces and organized crime in the capital.
A Mexican Police Chief’s Handshake Deal With a Sicario
An epidemic of violence in Mexico and endemic corruption pushed a police chief to try something new — an off-the-books witness protection program for assassins willing to turn on their cartels.
Under Pressure From Trump, Extraditions to U.S. From Mexico Soar
The increased pace follows a threat by President Trump to designate drug traffickers as terrorists and amid two visits by his attorney general to Mexico to push for more cooperation.
Jhon Jairo Velásquez, 57, Dies; Escobar Henchman Turned YouTube Star
Mr. Velásquez, who boasted of murdering hundreds of people for Pablo Escobar, in recent years had built a business around the memories of his criminal activities.
Longest Smuggling Tunnel Is Found at U.S.-Mexico Border
The shaft ran for four-fifths of a mile between Tijuana and San Diego and was equipped with rails, ventilation, a drainage system and even an elevator, officials said.
75 Drug Cartel Members Tunnel Out of Paraguay Prison
The government had known for weeks that a Brazilian drug cartel was plotting a prison break, but it was unable to stop it.