The death of Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, alias ‘El Perris,’ marks a significant event in the ongoing fight against drug cartels in Mexico. Identified as a key operator for Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, Figueroa Benítez’s demise during a capture operation highlights the intense pressure faced by cartel members. This article delves into the details surrounding his death, his alleged involvement in cartel activities, and the broader implications for security in Sinaloa.
Figueroa Benítez was wanted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for alleged involvement in fentanyl trafficking, possession of machine guns, and money laundering. His death raises questions about the future operations of Los Chapitos and the potential for increased violence and instability in the region. Understanding the context of his death requires examining the events leading up to the operation and the roles of various actors involved.
The Operation in Navolato
Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, known as ‘El Perris,’ died during an operation in Navolato, Sinaloa, approximately 32 kilometers from Culiacán. Mexican authorities, led by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, reported that the operation aimed to capture Figueroa Benítez. According to local media, the operation led to armed confrontations. García Harfuch stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the army responded in self-defense during the attempted arrest, indicating that Figueroa Benítez’s associates initiated the hostilities.
The specific details of the operation remain somewhat unclear, but the involvement of the Mexican army suggests a high-stakes operation targeting a significant figure in the Los Chapitos organization. The response of the army ‘in legitimate defense’ implies that Figueroa Benítez and his allies were armed and resisted arrest, leading to a deadly exchange of fire. The lack of further details from official sources leaves room for speculation and highlights the sensitive nature of operations targeting cartel leaders.
“Esta persona es identificada como uno de los principales orquestadores de los ataques a las autoridades en 2019 en Culiacán, así como estar vinculada a homicidios y secuestros que afectaron la paz y tranquilidad de la sociedad sinaloense.” – Omar García Harfuch, Secretario de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana de México
The DEA’s Pursuit of ‘El Perris’
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had offered up to $1 million for information leading to the capture of Figueroa Benítez. He was wanted on several federal charges, including conspiracy to import and traffic fentanyl, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to launder money. The DEA’s interest in Figueroa Benítez underscores his importance in the trafficking of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for numerous overdose deaths in the United States.
The charges against Figueroa Benítez highlight the multi-faceted nature of his alleged criminal activities, encompassing not only drug trafficking but also weapons possession and financial crimes. The DEA’s pursuit of Figueroa Benítez reflects the agency’s broader efforts to target key figures in drug cartels who contribute to the flow of illicit substances into the United States. The substantial reward offered for his capture indicates the high priority placed on bringing him to justice.
The Implications for Los Chapitos
Figueroa Benítez was identified by the U.S. government as a key member of the Los Chapitos organization, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. His death could potentially disrupt the operations of Los Chapitos, particularly in areas related to drug trafficking and security operations. Figueroa Benítez was allegedly involved in orchestrating attacks against authorities in Culiacán in 2019 and was linked to homicides and kidnappings.
The loss of a key figure like Figueroa Benítez can create power vacuums within the cartel, leading to internal conflicts and increased competition among rival factions. His alleged involvement in attacks against authorities suggests that he played a significant role in the cartel’s security apparatus, and his absence could weaken their ability to protect their operations. The potential for increased violence and instability in Sinaloa following his death underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating drug cartels.
The ‘Culiacanazo’ and Its Aftermath
In 2019, Culiacán was the scene of a violent episode known as the ‘Culiacanazo,’ triggered by the temporary capture of Ovidio Guzmán, one of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán’s sons. The incident involved intense armed confrontations between cartel members and security forces, leading to Ovidio’s subsequent release by Mexican authorities to ‘save lives.’ This event highlighted the power and influence of the Sinaloa Cartel in the region and the government’s challenges in confronting them directly.
The ‘Culiacanazo’ demonstrated the cartel’s ability to mobilize significant resources and manpower to resist government actions. The decision to release Ovidio Guzmán, while controversial, reflected the government’s prioritization of minimizing casualties and avoiding further escalation of violence. The incident underscored the complex dynamics between the government and drug cartels in Mexico and the limitations of law enforcement efforts in certain areas.
The Case of Ovidio Guzmán
After being extradited to the United States in 2023, Ovidio Guzmán initially pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges. However, according to court documents reviewed by CNN, he is expected to change his plea. Earlier in May, a U.S. government source told CNN that several of his relatives crossed the border from Mexico to the United States at the San Ysidro port of entry, allegedly as part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The potential change in Ovidio Guzmán’s plea suggests that he may be cooperating with U.S. authorities in exchange for leniency or protection for his family. The alleged agreement with the Department of Justice highlights the complexities of international law enforcement efforts and the willingness of authorities to negotiate with cartel members in certain circumstances. The case of Ovidio Guzmán underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel and bring its leaders to justice.
Conclusion
The death of Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, alias ‘El Perris,’ represents a notable development in the ongoing struggle against drug cartels in Mexico. As a key operator for Los Chapitos, his demise could have significant implications for the organization’s operations and security. The circumstances surrounding his death, including the DEA’s pursuit and the violent confrontations during the capture operation, underscore the challenges faced by authorities in combating drug trafficking and organized crime.
The broader context of Figueroa Benítez’s death, including the ‘Culiacanazo’ and the case of Ovidio Guzmán, highlights the complex dynamics between the government and drug cartels in Mexico. The ongoing efforts to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel and bring its leaders to justice reflect the commitment of both Mexican and U.S. authorities to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. However, the challenges remain significant, and the fight against drug cartels is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
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