US authorities have arrested Mexican Dámaso López Serrano in that country, a former senior member of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was on parole after being arrested in 2017, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Saturday.
“This is a very important arrest,” said the Mexican president when questioned by the press during a visit to Palenque,in Chiapas (south).
According to the American press, López Serrano was arrested on Friday in Virginia, in the United States, on charges of fentanyl trafficking.
Dámaso López Serrano, known as “Mini Lic,” was originally arrested in 2017 when he voluntarily surrendered to U.S. authorities.
At the time, the U.S.government said he was the highest-ranking member of a cartel who had voluntarily turned himself in to authorities.
On parole from 2022
López Serrano pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, although he was released from prison on parole in 2022, according to Mexican press reports.
The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the largest drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and was founded by Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán, who is now serving a life sentence in the United States.
Until now, the Secretary for Security and Protection of Citizens of mexico, Omar García Harfuch, has not provided further information on the capture of “El Mini Lic”, son of Dámaso López Núñez, “El Licenziato”, who was a close ally of ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán and participated in his escape from El Altiplano prison in 2015.
Along with being jailed for five years for drug trafficking, López Serrano is also accused of ordering the murder of journalist Javier Valdez in 2017.
Protected witness
‘El Mini Lic’ cooperated as a protected witness for the US authorities and gave several interviews to journalists,in which he revealed details about the internal structure of the Sinaloa Cartel.
In particular, he spoke about the “Los chapitos” faction, with which he argued over power disputes within the cartel, as well as disagreements over operations and control of drug trafficking routes.
On Tuesday, the US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, celebrated that the Sinaloa Cartel is being “dismantled” thanks to the collaboration between the two countries.
However, the capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, one of “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, by US authorities in an operation in Texas at the end of July, caused bilateral tensions and an escalation of violence in Sinaloa, north-eastern Mexico, the situation has persisted ever since.
what are the potential consequences of the arrest of major cartel leaders on drug trafficking dynamics in Mexico?
Interview: The Implications of the Arrest of Dámaso López Serrano with Drug Policy Expert Dr. Maria Gonzalez
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. With the recent arrest of Dámaso López Serrano, also known as “Mini Lic”, what do you see as the immediate implications for the Sinaloa Cartel and drug trafficking in the region?
Dr. Maria gonzalez: Thank you for having me. The arrest of Mini Lic is undoubtedly a significant event in the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Mexico and the united States. It not only represents the capture of a high-profile figure within the Sinaloa Cartel, but it also underscores the continued efforts by both nations to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. The Sinaloa cartel is one of the largest and most powerful in the world, and the implications of losing leadership figures can create both instability and opportunities for rival factions.
Time.news Editor: Can you elaborate on the distinct factions within the Sinaloa Cartel mentioned by Mini Lic during his cooperation with U.S. authorities?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Certainly. Mini Lic highlighted the internal disputes within the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly the “Los Chapitos” faction, led by Joaquín Guzmán López, one of Chapo Guzmán’s sons. These power struggles can lead to violence and fragmentation within the organization. When a leader is removed, it frequently enough results in a vacuum that other factions may try to fill, leading to increased turf wars and competition for control over drug trafficking routes, which can escalate violence in the affected areas.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of violence, there has been a noted escalation in conflict following the arrests of key figures within the cartel. What strategies might the Mexican government consider to address this?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: The Mexican government may need to employ a multifaceted approach that combines law enforcement with community engagement and socio-economic development. Addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, such as poverty and lack of chance, can be just as vital as taking down leaders.Moreover, enhanced collaboration with the U.S. can improve intelligence sharing and operational effectiveness against cartel activities while ensuring that communities are also part of the solution.
Time.news Editor: Given that Mini Lic had cooperated as a protected witness, what does this say about the complexity of fighting drug trafficking in Mexico?
Dr.Maria Gonzalez: The involvement of protected witnesses like Mini Lic offers critical insights into the inner workings of cartels but also reflects a deeper complexity. it indicates that addressing drug trafficking isn’t just about capturing leaders; it requires understanding the organizational structure, operational methodologies, and the socio-economic conditions that foster drug trade. His cooperation might serve as a double-edged sword; while it aids enforcement efforts, it can also provoke retaliation from remaining cartel members, putting lives at risk.
Time.news Editor: Considering these developments, what advice would you give policymakers regarding the fight against drug trafficking and cartel violence?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Policymakers must prioritize a holistic strategy that combines enforcement with community investments. This includes legal reform to support those affected by drug-related violence and more protection for journalists and whistleblowers who expose corruption. New policies should also aim at reducing demand for illicit drugs through public health initiatives, addressing addiction, and providing mental health resources. Thorough reform will be crucial to tackling the complexities of the drug trade sustainably.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez,for your insights on this critical issue. As the landscape of drug trafficking continues to evolve, your expertise will be invaluable for understanding the challenges we face.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. It’s critically important that we continue these conversations, as they shape the future of drug policy and public safety in both the U.S. and Mexico.