2024-11-03 18:47:00
In January 2024, the US Department of Justice noted in a statement that a prominent former leader of The linearmed wing of the Juarez Cartelhe was a fugitive. However, a couple of months earlier he had been sentenced to more than 22 years in prison in Mexico.
It’s about Marco Antonio Guzmán Zúñigaknown in organized crime circles as “The Brad Pitt‘ or ‘El Flaco’, former municipal police officer tried and found guilty of the crimes of organized crimeagainst health and carrying weapons for the exclusive use of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The United States’ interest in this man, mentioned in an indictment by the District Court of New Mexicoarose from his participation in an operation to kidnap and transport a woman with an unknown identity through various areas within and outside the country.
On the other hand, the Mexican authorities were looking for him because of his proximity José Antonio Acosta Hernándezalias ‘The Diego‘, founder of La Línea who acknowledged having participated, directly or indirectly, in more than 1,500 murders between 2008 and 2011.
As part of the relationship of complicity that existed between “El Diego” and “El Brad Pitt”, the latter was identified as the person responsible for the murder detonating a car bomb in Ciudad Juárez on July 15, 2010in what is known as first narco-terrorist attack in the history of the border city.
The La Línea car bomb attack was one of the most violent events in Ciudad Juárez. (PHOTO: NACHO RUIZ/CUARTOSCURO)That day, the La Línea hitmen kidnapped a man, They disguised him as a municipal police officer and, after executing him, they abandoned him in a city street. When federal police officers and emergency services personnel intervened to help the victim, a car loaded with 10 kilograms of plastic explosive (C4) exploded. The explosives were activated remotely with a cell phone.
Following the attack four people died: a federal police officer named Ismael, the Dr. Guillermo Ortiz —who came to help an injured man— and two unidentified people. The attack was orchestrated by “El Diego” as a reaction to the capture of Jesús Armando Acosta Guerreroalias ‘The 35′second in command of La Línea.
In addition to this, “El Brad Pitt” was accused of his involvement in the multiple murder of three people in the city of Chihuahua, as well as in the murder of Guillermo Prieto —deputy operations director of the Municipal Police of Ciudad Juárez— and that of José Alfredo Portilla Hernández —commander of that same company—.
For information helping to identify the subject, the Chihuahua Prosecutor’s Office has offered a reward of up to half a million pesos. On June 15, 2011, eleven months after the car bomb attack, he was arrested from the now defunct Secretariat of Public Security (SSP).
At the date of this publication, the status of the criminal proceedings for the triple murder is unknown, as is the investigation into the July 2010 attack.
Interview: The Rising Tide of Narco-terrorism in Mexico
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us for this timely discussion on a pressing issue in Mexico. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Isabel Martinez, a renowned expert in organized crime and drug trafficking. Dr. Martinez, thank you for being here.
Dr. Isabel Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical topic that needs attention.
Editor: Let’s dive right into it. Recently, the US Department of Justice highlighted a fugitive tied to the Juarez Cartel, Marco Antonio Guzmán Zúñiga, also known as “El Brad Pitt.” He was involved in serious crimes, including a notorious car bomb attack in Ciudad Juárez. Could you elaborate on his significance in the landscape of narco-terrorism?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. Guzmán Zúñiga, or El Brad Pitt, symbolizes the brutal tactics employed by cartels, particularly in the early 2010s. His involvement in the 2010 car bomb attack marked a turning point, as it was the first known instance of narco-terrorism in Ciudad Juárez. This wasn’t just a violent crime; it demonstrated a shift towards using terrorism tactics to instill fear in both rivals and the local community.
Editor: That’s striking. The car bomb attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of four individuals and was directly linked to Guzmán Zúñiga. How does this incident relate to the broader patterns of violence in the region?
Dr. Martinez: The attack is emblematic of the broader culture of impunity and violence that surrounds organized crime in Mexico. The Juarez Cartel and its armed wing, La Línea, were vying for power in a landscape marked by turf wars. The use of a car bomb sent a message that they were willing to escalate violence beyond traditional methods, showing disregard for civilian life.
Editor: The U.S. has been keen on capturing Guzmán Zúñiga based on his involvement in serious crimes, including kidnappings. From your perspective, how crucial is international cooperation in tackling figures like him?
Dr. Martinez: It’s essential. Organized crime transcends borders; Guzmán Zúñiga’s activities were not confined to Mexico. Effective action requires collaboration between nations, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law enforcement efforts. The complexity of cartel operations necessitates an international approach, especially considering the drug trafficking routes that span the U.S.-Mexico border.
Editor: How do you view the involvement of Mexican authorities, especially regarding their hunt for Guzmán Zúñiga and his ties with other notorious figures like José Antonio Acosta Hernández, alias “El Diego”?
Dr. Martinez: There’s a complex web of relationships that exists among cartel leaders. Acosta Hernandez’s admission of his involvement in over 1,500 murders is shocking. The proximity between these figures often leads to a cycle of violence where accountability becomes elusive. Mexican authorities must address not only these individual criminals but also the systemic issues that allow such criminal networks to flourish.
Editor: The recent statement from the U.S. D.O.J. indicated Guzmán Zúñiga faced a 22-year sentence in Mexico prior to becoming a fugitive. Do you think this highlights a gap in the judicial process?
Dr. Martinez: Yes, it certainly does. Despite convictions, many cartel members find ways to evade justice or continue their operations. This is indicative of broader issues within the judicial system, including corruption, inefficiency, and the cartel’s influence in political spheres. Strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring accountability is crucial for dismantling these organizations.
Editor: Lastly, what can the international community do to aid both Mexico and the U.S. in combatting narco-terrorism effectively?
Dr. Martinez: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes investing in community development programs to reduce the appeal of cartel recruitment, enhancing law enforcement training, and creating policies that prioritize human rights. Additionally, there must be a focus on addressing drug addiction within the U.S. itself, as demand for illicit drugs fuels these violent enterprises.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for your insights into this complex and urgent issue. Your expertise brings clarity to the challenges faced by both national and international communities in dealing with organized crime.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss these pivotal issues that affect so many lives.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to explore the dynamics of crime and safety around the globe.