Major Blow to the Sinaloa Cartel: Arrest of “Los Chapitos” Member Shakes Sinaloa

• Member of Los Chapitos captured
• Sinaloa under heavy surveillance
• Weapons and explosives seized

According to EFE, Mexican authorities have arrested Filiberto Hernández Monzón, 37, a suspected member of a criminal cell linked to Los Chapitos, the faction led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

The arrest took place Tuesday in the northwestern state of Sinaloa during a coordinated operation involving multiple federal agencies, which also resulted in the seizure of long-range weapons, drugs, and explosives.

Officials reported that the suspect was part of a criminal structure operating near Culiacán, the historical stronghold of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) confirmed that the capture occurred after two simultaneous actions in the towns of Jesús María and Carboneras.

Operation in Sinaloa Involving Weapons and Explosives

Authorities detain a Mexican man in Sinaloa with weapons and explosives linked to Los Chapitos https://t.co/nGHcCORbNm

— AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) October 7, 2025

During the raid, officers confiscated three long rifles, 1,770 rounds of various calibers, 37 magazines, packages of marijuana and cocaine, and 42 improvised explosive devices, according to the official report.

Also seized were two radios, six bulletproof vests with armor plates, tactical gear, and four armored vehicles — one of which bore fake Mexican Army insignia.

Federal agents indicated that this counterfeit unit was meant to impersonate military forces, a recurring tactic used by criminal groups in Sinaloa.

The joint operation was carried out by the SSPC, Navy, Defense Ministry, Attorney General’s Office, and National Guard.

Arrest of Los Chapitos Member Heightens Tension in Sinaloa

Authorities reported no clashes or casualties during the operation but reinforced highway checkpoints to prevent potential retaliation.

The suspect was transferred to federal facilities under tight security.

The arrest of Hernández Monzón is viewed as a new blow to the Los Chapitos faction, which has been locked in a violent power struggle with Los Mayos, another branch of the cartel.

This internal war for control of routes and territories in Sinaloa has left more than 1,700 people dead since September 2024.

Security Reinforced Across Sinaloa

Clashes between the two factions have been concentrated in rural areas such as Jesús María, Badiraguato, and Guasave, where forced displacements and attacks on military convoys have been reported.

The operation reflects intensified federal efforts to curb violence following the capture of Ovidio Guzmán López, one of El Chapo’s sons.

Sinaloa remains one of the most heavily monitored states in Mexico, after being labeled a terrorist organization by the Trump administration.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has deployed more than 11,800 federal troops to strengthen security in the region.

Mexican Government Steps Up Actions Against Los Chapitos

Federal sources stated that the government’s strategy aims to dismantle fentanyl production and trafficking centers that have drawn international scrutiny to Sinaloa.

The capture of Hernández Monzón is seen as a critical step in weakening Los Chapitos’ logistical operations.

The government reiterated its commitment to continue operations “without truce” against all criminal organizations in the country.

Meanwhile, local authorities are maintaining military patrols throughout Culiacán to prevent possible violent reprisals from organized crime groups.