a federal judge linked to processesoa Edwin R “El Max” or alleged “The Bear” lieutenant of “The Mayitos“, faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
This was announced by the Attorney General’s Office of the Republic (FGR) through a statement in which he detailed that a judge based in the Almoloya de Juárez prison, “Altiplano”, linked “El Max” for:
“His alleged responsibility in crimes against health in the form of possession for the purposes of fentanyl trade, possession of firearms, cartridges and magazines, all for the exclusive use of the Armed Forces.”
The above, based on the evidence provided by the Public Ministry of the Federation (MPF), for which justified preventive detention was issued in the “Altiplano”, and 4 months were given for the complementary investigation.
On October 22, it was reported that in a joint operation, personnel from the Army and the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) arrested Edwin Antonio N, one of the operators of “Los Mayitos”, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, in Culiacán, Sinaloa. who maintains a confrontation with “Los Chapitos”.
“El Oso” or “El Max” was in charge of the operations of “El Mayo” Zambada, and his son “El Mayito” Flaco.
Regarding the arrest of the alleged drug trafficker, President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the 19 deaths that were recorded during his arrest and stressed that action was taken within the framework of the Law:
“It was an arrest, there was an attack on the armed forces that were going to arrest this criminal and they responded within the framework of the law.”
Four days after his arrest, his initial hearing was held in which a judge determined his detention as legal and charged him with the crimes of possession of a firearm for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force; possession of cartridges and magazines, and against health (in the form of possession), all of them committed in a gang.”
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Interview with Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elena Rodriguez, an expert in drug policy and organized crime. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Rodriguez.
Dr. Elena Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. Recently, the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico announced that a federal judge has linked Edwin “El Max” to the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly his alleged involvement with the faction known as “The Mayitos.” What does this say about the judicial processes in cases involving high-profile cartel figures?
Dr. Rodriguez: This development is quite significant. Linking a federal judge to a notorious cartel member highlights potential vulnerabilities and influences within the judicial system. It may indicate deeper issues like corruption or fear of retribution, which can severely undermine the rule of law in Mexico.
Editor: That’s a concerning point. The reported charges against “El Max,” which include serious offenses related to the fentanyl trade along with possession of firearms, are alarming. How do you view the implications of these charges on the ongoing fight against drug trafficking?
Dr. Rodriguez: The specific mention of fentanyl is crucial. It emphasizes that the authorities are increasingly recognizing and addressing the evolving nature of drug trafficking. Fentanyl is significantly more potent than traditional drugs, resulting in higher overdose rates across the globe. By targeting figures like “El Max,” authorities send a message about the seriousness of these issues, but success will depend on sustained efforts and broader systemic reform.
Editor: You mentioned systemic reform. Can you elaborate on what that entails, especially in the context of Mexico’s fight against organized crime?
Dr. Rodriguez: Absolutely. Systemic reform involves a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening judicial independence, enhancing law enforcement integrity, and implementing better community support programs to prevent drug dependency. It also requires international cooperation, especially in addressing trafficking routes that span multiple nations.
Editor: You noted the need for community support programs. In your experience, how effective have these been in combating drug-related issues at the grassroots level?
Dr. Rodriguez: Community-based programs can be incredibly effective when tailored to the specific needs of a population. Initiatives that provide education, job training, and mental health support can help reduce the appeal of joining cartels. However, they must be adequately funded and free from corruption to truly make an impact.
Editor: It sounds like a collaborative effort is essential in this regard. As we look to the future, what do you think the next steps should be for both Mexican authorities and the international community regarding drug trafficking and cartel activities?
Dr. Rodriguez: Firstly, Mexican authorities need to ensure that they have the resources and political will to combat organized crime effectively. This ties into the importance of public trust in law enforcement. For the international community, particularly the U.S., it’s critical to focus on reducing demand for illicit drugs while also addressing the flow of money back to these cartels. Comprehensive strategies that include prevention, treatment, and enforcement are necessary for sustainable results.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that tackling drug trafficking requires a concerted effort from multiple stakeholders.
Dr. Rodriguez: Thank you for having me. It’s definitely a complex challenge, but with the right approaches, progress can be made.
Editor: And that wraps up our discussion today. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news. We’ll continue to follow developments in this space closely.