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[[Image:Sinaloa Cartel Hierarchy.JPG|thumb|right|Sinaloa Cartel hierarchy in early 2008]]
[[Image:Sinaloa Cartel Hierarchy.JPG|thumb|right|Sinaloa Cartel hierarchy in early 2008]]
The '''Sinaloa Cartel''' is a [[Mexico|Mexican]] [[Illegal drug trade|drug trafficking]] cartel primarily operating out of the states of [[Baja California]], [[Sinaloa]], [[Durango]], [[Sonora]] and [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]].<ref name="State">{{cite book|last=Freeman|first=Laurie|title=State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars|pages=7,13,15|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/news/docs/State_of_Siege_WOLA.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Organized">{{cite book|last=Bailey|first=John J.|coauthors=Roy Godson|title=Organized Crime and Democratic Governability: Mexico and the U.S.-Mexican Borderlands|publisher=Univ of Pittsburgh Press|date=2000|pages=146|isbn=0822957582|language=English}}</ref> The cartel is also known as the '''Guzmán-Loera Organization''' and the '''Pacific Cartel''', the latter due to the coast of Mexico from which it originated, other names include the '''Federation''' or '''Golden Triangle.'''<ref name="Blames">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN07300830|title=Mexico blames Gulf cartel for surge in drug murders|last=Rama|first=Anahi|date=April 7, 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="State" /><ref name="100k">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/03/100000-foot-soldiers-in-cartels/|title=100,000 foot soldiers in Mexican cartels|last=Carter|first=Sara A.|date=March 3, 2009|publisher=The Washington Times|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>
The '''Sinaloa Cartel''' is a Mexican [[Illegal drug trade|drug trafficking]] cartel primarily operating out of the states of [[Baja California]], [[Sinaloa]], [[Durango]], [[Sonora]] and [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]].<ref name="State">{{cite book|last=Freeman|first=Laurie|title=State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars|pages=7,13,15|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/news/docs/State_of_Siege_WOLA.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Organized">{{cite book|last=Bailey|first=John J.|coauthors=Roy Godson|title=Organized Crime and Democratic Governability: Mexico and the U.S.-Mexican Borderlands|publisher=Univ of Pittsburgh Press|date=2000|pages=146|isbn=0822957582}}</ref> The cartel is also known as the '''Guzmán-Loera Organization''' and the '''Pacific Cartel''', the latter due to the coast of Mexico from which it originated, other names include the '''Federation''' or '''Golden Triangle.'''<ref name="Blames">{{cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN07300830|title=Mexico blames Gulf cartel for surge in drug murders|last=Rama|first=Anahi|date=April 7, 2008|publisher=Reuters|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="State" /><ref name="100k">{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/03/100000-foot-soldiers-in-cartels/|title=100,000 foot soldiers in Mexican cartels|last=Carter|first=Sara A.|date=March 3, 2009|publisher=The Washington Times|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>


==Operations==
==Operations==
The cartel is primarily involved in the smuggling and distribution of [[Colombia]]n [[cocaine]], Mexican [[marijuana]], [[methamphetamine]], and Mexican and [[Southeast Asia]]n [[heroin]] into the [[United States]].<ref name="Mastermind">{{cite news|title=U.S. Arrests Alleged Mastermind of Mexico-Arizona Drug Tunnel|last=Green|first=Eric|date=February 19, 2004|publisher=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="Understanding">{{cite book|last=Mallory|first=Stephen L|title=Understanding Organized Crime|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|date=2007|pages=67|isbn=0763741086|language=English}}</ref> It is believed that a group known as the Herrera Organization would transport multi-ton quantities of cocaine from [[South America]] to [[Guatemala]] on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel; from there it is smuggled north to Mexico and later in the [[United States]].<ref name="International">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2008/vol1/html/100774.htm|title=International Narcotics Control Strategy Report - 2008|date=March 2008|publisher=Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref> Other shipments of cocaine are believed to originate in Colombia from the [[Cali Cartel|Cali]] and [[Medellín Cartel]] from which the Sinaloa Cartel handle transportation across the U.S. border to distribution cells in [[Arizona]], [[California]], [[Texas]], [[Chicago]] and [[New York]].<ref name="Mastermind" /><ref name="State" /><ref name="Jaoquin">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/p/inl/narc/rewards/39413.htm|title=Joaquin Guzman-Loera|publisher=Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs|language=English|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref>
The cartel is primarily involved in the smuggling and distribution of [[Colombia]]n [[cocaine]], Mexican [[marijuana, methamphetamine]], and Mexican and Southeast Asian [[heroin]] into the United States.<ref name="Mastermind">{{cite news|title=U.S. Arrests Alleged Mastermind of Mexico-Arizona Drug Tunnel|last=Green|first=Eric|date=February 19, 2004|publisher=U.S. Department of State|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="Understanding">{{cite book|last=Mallory|first=Stephen L|title=Understanding Organized Crime|publisher=Jones & Bartlett Publishers|date=2007|pages=67|isbn=0763741086}}</ref> It is believed that a group known as the Herrera Organization would transport multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America to [[Guatemala]] on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel; from there it is smuggled north to Mexico and later in the United States.<ref name="International">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/p/inl/rls/nrcrpt/2008/vol1/html/100774.htm|title=International Narcotics Control Strategy Report - 2008|date=March 2008|publisher=Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref> Other shipments of cocaine are believed to originate in Colombia from the [[Cali Cartel|Cali]] and [[Medellín Cartel]] from which the Sinaloa Cartel handle transportation across the U.S. border to distribution cells in [[Arizona]], [[California]], [[Texas]], [[Chicago]] and [[New York]].<ref name="Mastermind" /><ref name="State" /><ref name="Jaoquin">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.gov/p/inl/narc/rewards/39413.htm|title=Joaquin Guzman-Loera|publisher=Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref>


In the late 1980s, the [[United States]] [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] believed the Sinaloa Cartel was the largest drug trafficking organization operating in Mexico.<ref name="CACourt">{{cite journal|date=December 7, 2007|title=United States of America v. Felipe de Jesus Corona Verbera|publisher=United States Court of Appeals|pages=3|url=http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/coa/newopinions.nsf/CC8D42315C276B93882573AA004FEBC4/$file/0610538.pdf?openelement}}</ref> By the mid-1990s it was believed to be the size of the Medellín Cartel during its prime.<ref name="CACourt" /> The Sinaloa Cartel was believed to be linked to the [[Juárez Cartel]] in a strategic alliance following the partnership of their rivals, the [[Gulf Cartel]] and [[Tijuana Cartel]].<ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="CACourt" /><ref name="ALine">{{cite journal|date=January 9, 2008|title=A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border|publisher=Majority Staff of the House Committee on Homeland Security|pages=12,13|url=http://www.house.gov/mccaul/pdf/Investigaions-Border-Report.pdf}}</ref> Following the discovery of a tunnel system used to smuggle drug across the [[United States–Mexico border|Mexican/US border]], the group has been associated with such means of trafficking.<ref name="Chan5">{{cite news|url=http://www.newschannel5.tv/2008/3/28/988823/Sinaloa-Cartel-Leader-Possibly-Dead|title=Sinaloa Cartel Leader Possibly Dead|date=March 28, 2008|publisher=Newschannel 5 KRGV|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="Jaoquin" />
In the late 1980s, the United States [[Drug Enforcement Administration]] believed the Sinaloa Cartel was the largest drug trafficking organization operating in Mexico.<ref name="CACourt">{{cite journal|date=December 7, 2007|title=United States of America v. Felipe de Jesus Corona Verbera|publisher=United States Court of Appeals|pages=3|url=http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/coa/newopinions.nsf/CC8D42315C276B93882573AA004FEBC4/$file/0610538.pdf?openelement}}</ref> By the mid-1990s it was believed to be the size of the Medellín Cartel during its prime.<ref name="CACourt" /> The Sinaloa Cartel was believed to be linked to the [[Juárez Cartel]] in a strategic alliance following the partnership of their rivals, the [[Gulf Cartel]] and [[Tijuana Cartel]].<ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="CACourt" /><ref name="ALine">{{cite journal|date=January 9, 2008|title=A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border|publisher=Majority Staff of the House Committee on Homeland Security|pages=12,13|url=http://www.house.gov/mccaul/pdf/Investigaions-Border-Report.pdf}}</ref> Following the discovery of a tunnel system used to smuggle drug across the [[United States–Mexico border|Mexican/US border]], the group has been associated with such means of trafficking.<ref name="Chan5">{{cite news|url=http://www.newschannel5.tv/2008/3/28/988823/Sinaloa-Cartel-Leader-Possibly-Dead|title=Sinaloa Cartel Leader Possibly Dead|date=March 28, 2008|publisher=Newschannel 5 KRGV|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="Jaoquin" />


By 2005, the Beltran-Leyva brothers, who were formerly aligned with the Sinaloa Cartel, had come to dominate drug trafficking across the border with Arizona. By 2006, Sinaloa Cartel had eliminated all competition across the 330 miles of Arizona border, and it was suspected they had accomplished this by bribing state government officials. The Beltran-Leyva brothers are now allies of [[Los Zetas]] of the [[Gulf Cartel]].
By 2005, the Beltran-Leyva brothers, who were formerly aligned with the Sinaloa Cartel, had come to dominate drug trafficking across the border with Arizona. By 2006, Sinaloa Cartel had eliminated all competition across the 330 miles of Arizona border, and it was suspected they had accomplished this by bribing state government officials. The Beltran-Leyva brothers are now allies of [[Los Zetas]] of the [[Gulf Cartel]].
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In January 2008 the cartel had allegedly split into a number of warring factions, which is a major cause in the epidemic of drug violence Mexico has seen in the last year. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7772771.stm BBC News - Mexican drug gang killings surge]</ref>
In January 2008 the cartel had allegedly split into a number of warring factions, which is a major cause in the epidemic of drug violence Mexico has seen in the last year. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7772771.stm BBC News - Mexican drug gang killings surge]</ref>


On February 25, 2009, the [[United States]] government announced the arrest of 750 members of the Sinaloa Cartel across the U.S. They also announced the seizure of more than $59 million in cash and numerous vehicles, planes, and boats.<ref> [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,500305,00.html Hundreds arrested in cross-country campaign against cartel]</ref><ref>[http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/coberturas/esp207.html DEA arrests 750]</ref>
On February 25, 2009, the United States government announced the arrest of 750 members of the Sinaloa Cartel across the U.S. They also announced the seizure of more than $59 million in cash and numerous vehicles, planes, and boats.<ref> [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,500305,00.html Hundreds arrested in cross-country campaign against cartel]</ref><ref>[http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/coberturas/esp207.html DEA arrests 750]</ref>


In March 2009, the Mexican Government announces the deployment of 1,000 [[Federal Agency of Investigation (Mexico)|Federal Police]] officers and 5,000 [[Mexican Army]] soldiers to restore order in [[Ciudad Juarez]] where Sinaloa Cartel has been battling [[Los Zetas]] of the Gulf Cartel. The city has suffered over 1,600 deaths related to drug trafficking, the highest in the country. <ref name="LaTimes3309">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-mexico-juarez-police3-2009mar03,0,2706565.story|title=Mexico sending more forces to Ciudad Juarez|date=March 03, 2009|publisher=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>
In March 2009, the Mexican Government announces the deployment of 1,000 [[Federal Agency of Investigation (Mexico)|Federal Police]] officers and 5,000 [[Mexican Army]] soldiers to restore order in [[Ciudad Juárez]] where Sinaloa Cartel has been battling [[Los Zetas]] of the Gulf Cartel. The city has suffered over 1,600 deaths related to drug trafficking, the highest in the country. <ref name="LaTimes3309">{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-mexico-juarez-police3-2009mar03,0,2706565.story|title=Mexico sending more forces to Ciudad Juárez|date=March 03, 2009|publisher=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=2009-03-03}}</ref>


==Leadership==
==Leadership==
[[Image:Juaquin Guzman-Loera.jpg|right|thumb|170px|[[Joaquín Guzmán|Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán]].]]{{main|Joaquín Guzmán}}
[[Image:Juaquin Guzman-Loera.jpg|right|thumb|170px|[[Joaquín Guzmán|Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán]].]]{{main|Joaquín Guzmán}}
The Sinaloa Cartel used to be known as ''La Aliaza de Sangre'' (Blood Partnership). When [[Héctor Luis Palma Salazar]] (a.k.a: El Guero) was arrested on June 23, 1995 by elements of the [[Mexican Army]], his partner [[Joaquín Guzmán Loera]] took the leadership of the cartel.<ref name="Organized" /><ref name="Bordering">{{cite book|last=Oppenheimer|first=Andres|title=Bordering on Chaos: Guerrillas, Stockbrokers, Politicians, and Mexico's Road to Prosperity|publisher=Little Brown & Co|date=1996|pages=298, 202, 300|isbn=0316650951}}</ref> Guzmán was captured in Guatemala on June 9, 1993 and extradited to Mexico, where he was jailed in a maximum security [[prison]], but on January 19, 2001 Guzmán escaped and resumed his command of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzmán has since forged a partnership with [[Ismael Zambada García]]<ref name="Puro">{{cite book|last=Crosthwaite|first=Luis Humberto|title=Puro Border: Dispatches, Snapshots & Graffiti from La Frontera|publisher=Cinco Puntos Press|pages=115|isbn=0938317598|language=English}}</ref> and Javier Torres Felix. Guzman and Zambada became Mexico's top drug kingpins in 2003, after the arrest of their rival [[Osiel Cardenas]] of the [[Gulf Cartel]]. So far, Guzmán and Zambada have evaded operations to capture them.
The Sinaloa Cartel used to be known as ''La Aliaza de Sangre'' (Blood Partnership). When [[Héctor Luis Palma Salazar]] (a.k.a: El Guero) was arrested on June 23, 1995 by elements of the [[Mexican Army]], his partner [[Joaquín Guzmán Loera]] took the leadership of the cartel.<ref name="Organized" /><ref name="Bordering">{{cite book|last=Oppenheimer|first=Andres|title=Bordering on Chaos: Guerrillas, Stockbrokers, Politicians, and Mexico's Road to Prosperity|publisher=Little Brown & Co|date=1996|pages=298, 202, 300|isbn=0316650951}}</ref> Guzmán was captured in Guatemala on June 9, 1993 and extradited to Mexico, where he was jailed in a maximum security [[prison]], but on January 19, 2001 Guzmán escaped and resumed his command of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzmán has since forged a partnership with [[Ismael Zambada García]]<ref name="Puro">{{cite book|last=Crosthwaite|first=Luis Humberto|title=Puro Border: Dispatches, Snapshots & Graffiti from La Frontera|publisher=Cinco Puntos Press|pages=115|isbn=0938317598}}</ref> and Javier Torres Felix. Guzman and Zambada became Mexico's top drug kingpins in 2003, after the arrest of their rival [[Osiel Cardenas]] of the [[Gulf Cartel]]. So far, Guzmán and Zambada have evaded operations to capture them.


<!--Did not find any reference to a Jesus Zambada Garcia. Please delete or quote references: [[Jesús Zambada Guzmán]] (a.k.a: El 5) is newphew to both Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada; he is in his late twenties. As of late 2007 he was believed to be in charge of the east coast operations of the cartel in the United States.{{Fact|date=February 2009}}.-->
<!--Did not find any reference to a Jesus Zambada Garcia. Please delete or quote references: [[Jesús Zambada Guzmán]] (a.k.a: El 5) is newphew to both Joaquín Guzmán and Ismael Zambada; he is in his late twenties. As of late 2007 he was believed to be in charge of the east coast operations of the cartel in the United States.{{Fact|date=February 2009}}.-->
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The Sinaloa Cartel has been waging a war against the [[Tijuana Cartel]] (Arellano-Félix Organization) over the [[Tijuana]] smuggling route to the border city of [[San Diego]], [[California]]. The rivalry between the two cartels dates back to the [[Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo]] setup of Palma's family. Félix Gallardo, following his imprisonment, bestowed the [[Guadalajara Cartel]] to his nephews in the Tijuana Cartel. In 1992 Palma struck out against the Tijuana Cartel at a [[disco]] in [[Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco]], where eight Tijuana Cartel members were killed in the shootout, the Arellano-Félix brothers having successfully escaped from the location.<ref name="Puro" />
The Sinaloa Cartel has been waging a war against the [[Tijuana Cartel]] (Arellano-Félix Organization) over the [[Tijuana]] smuggling route to the border city of [[San Diego]], [[California]]. The rivalry between the two cartels dates back to the [[Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo]] setup of Palma's family. Félix Gallardo, following his imprisonment, bestowed the [[Guadalajara Cartel]] to his nephews in the Tijuana Cartel. In 1992 Palma struck out against the Tijuana Cartel at a [[disco]] in [[Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco]], where eight Tijuana Cartel members were killed in the shootout, the Arellano-Félix brothers having successfully escaped from the location.<ref name="Puro" />


In retaliation, the Tijuana Cartel attempted to set up Guzmán at Guadalajara airport on May 24 1993. In the shootout that followed, six civilians were killed by the hired gunmen from the [[Logan Heights, San Diego, California|Logan Heights, San Diego]]-based 30th Street gang.<ref name="Puro" /> The deaths included that of Roman Catholic Cardinal [[Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo]]. The church hierarchy originally believed Ocampo was targeted as revenge for his strong stance against the drug trade; however, Mexican officials believe Ocampo just happened to be caught in cross fire.<ref name="DrugCrazy">{{cite book|last=Gray|first=Mike|title=Drug Crazy: How We Got Into This Mess and How We Can Get Out|publisher=Routledge|date=2000|pages=136|isbn=0415926475|language=English}}</ref><ref name="Here">{{cite book|last=DePalma|first=Anthony|title=Here: A Biography of the New American Continent|publisher=PublicAffairs|date=2001|pages=23|isbn=1891620835}}</ref><ref name="Other">{{cite book|last=Warnock|first=John W.|title=The Other Mexico: The North American Triangle Completed|publisher=Black Rose Books Ltd.|date=1995|pages=230|isbn=1551640287|language=English}}</ref> The Cardinal arrived at the airport in a [[Mercury Grand Marquis]] town car, known to be popular amongst drug barons, making it a target.<ref name="DrugCrazy" /><ref name="Here" /><ref name="Other" /> This explanation however is often countered due to Ocampo having been wearing a long black [[cassock]] and large [[pectoral cross]], as well as him sharing no similarity in appearance with Guzmán and having been gunned down from only two feet away.<ref name="Puro" />
In retaliation, the Tijuana Cartel attempted to set up Guzmán at Guadalajara airport on May 24, 1993. In the shootout that followed, six civilians were killed by the hired gunmen from the [[Logan Heights, San Diego, California|Logan Heights, San Diego]]-based 30th Street gang.<ref name="Puro" /> The deaths included that of Roman Catholic Cardinal [[Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo]]. The church hierarchy originally believed Ocampo was targeted as revenge for his strong stance against the drug trade; however, Mexican officials believe Ocampo just happened to be caught in cross fire.<ref name="DrugCrazy">{{cite book|last=Gray|first=Mike|title=Drug Crazy: How We Got Into This Mess and How We Can Get Out|publisher=Routledge|date=2000|pages=136|isbn=0415926475}}</ref><ref name="Here">{{cite book|last=DePalma|first=Anthony|title=Here: A Biography of the New American Continent|publisher=PublicAffairs|date=2001|pages=23|isbn=1891620835}}</ref><ref name="Other">{{cite book|last=Warnock|first=John W.|title=The Other Mexico: The North American Triangle Completed|publisher=Black Rose Books Ltd.|date=1995|pages=230|isbn=1551640287}}</ref> The Cardinal arrived at the airport in a [[Mercury Grand Marquis]] town car, known to be popular amongst drug barons, making it a target.<ref name="DrugCrazy" /><ref name="Here" /><ref name="Other" /> This explanation however is often countered due to Ocampo having been wearing a long black [[cassock]] and large [[pectoral cross]], as well as him sharing no similarity in appearance with Guzmán and having been gunned down from only two feet away.<ref name="Puro" />


==Edgar Valdéz Villarreal==
==Edgar Valdéz Villarreal==
{{main|Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal}}
{{main|Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal}}
[[Image:Edgar Barbie Valdez.JPG|right|frame|Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez]]
[[Image:Edgar Barbie Valdez.JPG|right|frame|Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez]]
[[Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal]] is a Sinaloa cartel lieutenant and the operator of its armed group known as [[Los Negros]],<ref name="Wilson">{{cite book|last=Freeman|first=Laurie|title=State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars|pages=7,13,15|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/news/docs/State_of_Siege_WOLA.pdf|language=English}}</ref><ref name="Dallas1">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31729154_ITM|title=Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man|last=Samuels|first=Lennox|date=March 21, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> formed by the Sinaloa Cartel to counter the operations of the rival Gulf Cartel's [[Los Zetas]].<ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="Lieutenant">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31729154_ITM|title=Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man|last=Samuels|first=Lennox|date=March 21, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="State" /> Los Negros have been known to employ gangs such as the [[Mexican Mafia]], and [[MS-13]] to carry out murders and other illegal activities. These are Los Angeles based street gangs who are known to be rivals but when asked to work for the Sinaloa Cartel they put their differences aside.<ref name="Weak">{{cite book|title=Weak bilateral law enforcement presence at the U.S.Mexico border|publisher=Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives|date=November 17, 2005|pages=11|isbn=1422334414}}</ref> The group is currently involved in fighting in the [[Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas|Nuevo Laredo]] region for control of the drug trafficking corridor.<ref name="Lieutenant" /><ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="State" /> Following the 2003 arrest of Gulf Cartel leader [[Osiel Cárdenas]], it is believed the Sinaloa Cartel moved 200 men into the region to battle the Gulf Cartel for control.<ref name="ALine" /> The [[Nuevo Laredo]] region is an important drug trafficking corridor into [[Laredo, Texas]], where as much as 40% of all Mexican exports pass through into the United States.
[[Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal]] is a Sinaloa cartel lieutenant and the operator of its armed group known as [[Los Negros]],<ref name="Wilson">{{cite book|last=Freeman|first=Laurie|title=State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico|publisher=Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars|pages=7,13,15|url=http://www.wilsoncenter.org/news/docs/State_of_Siege_WOLA.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Dallas1">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31729154_ITM|title=Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man|last=Samuels|first=Lennox|date=March 21, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|accessdate=2008-04-13}}</ref> formed by the Sinaloa Cartel to counter the operations of the rival Gulf Cartel's [[Los Zetas]].<ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="Lieutenant">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31729154_ITM|title=Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man|last=Samuels|first=Lennox|date=March 21, 2006|publisher=Dallas Morning News|accessdate=2008-04-11}}</ref><ref name="State" /> Los Negros have been known to employ gangs such as the [[Mexican Mafia]], and [[MS-13]] to carry out murders and other illegal activities. These are Los Angeles based street gangs who are known to be rivals but when asked to work for the Sinaloa Cartel they put their differences aside.<ref name="Weak">{{cite book|title=Weak bilateral law enforcement presence at the U.S.Mexico border|publisher=Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives|date=November 17, 2005|pages=11|isbn=1422334414}}</ref> The group is currently involved in fighting in the [[Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas|Nuevo Laredo]] region for control of the drug trafficking corridor.<ref name="Lieutenant" /><ref name="Understanding" /><ref name="State" /> Following the 2003 arrest of Gulf Cartel leader [[Osiel Cárdenas]], it is believed the Sinaloa Cartel moved 200 men into the region to battle the Gulf Cartel for control.<ref name="ALine" /> The [[Nuevo Laredo]] region is an important drug trafficking corridor into [[Laredo, Texas]], where as much as 40% of all Mexican exports pass through into the United States.


Following the 2002 assassination of journalist Roberto Javier Mora García from ''El Mañana'' newspaper, much of the local media has been cautious reporting the fighting. The cartels have pressured reporters to send messages and wage a media war. In 2008, Edgar Valdez took out an ad in the local paper accusing [[Los Zetas]] of being "narco-kidnappers" and purchasing protection from state officials and the attorney general's office.<!--True, but find references-->{{Fact|date=November 2008}} The drug war between the Sinaloa, Tijuana and Gulf cartels has spread to various regions of Mexico such as [[Guerrero]], [[Mexico City]], [[Michoacán]], and [[Tamaulipas]].
Following the 2002 assassination of journalist Roberto Javier Mora García from ''El Mañana'' newspaper, much of the local media has been cautious reporting the fighting. The cartels have pressured reporters to send messages and wage a media war. In 2008, Edgar Valdez took out an ad in the local paper accusing [[Los Zetas]] of being "narco-kidnappers" and purchasing protection from state officials and the attorney general's office.<!--True, but find references-->{{Fact|date=November 2008}} The drug war between the Sinaloa, Tijuana and Gulf cartels has spread to various regions of Mexico such as [[Guerrero]], [[Mexico City]], [[Michoacán]], and [[Tamaulipas]].
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== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Gulf Cartel]]
* [[Gulf Cartel]]
*[[Tijuana Cartel]]
* [[Tijuana Cartel]]
*[[Mexican drug war]]
* [[Mexican drug war]]
*[[Mérida Initiative]]
* [[Mérida Initiative]]
*[[Narco submarine]]
* [[Narco submarine]]


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 19:18, 6 March 2009

Sinaloa Cartel hierarchy in early 2008

The Sinaloa Cartel is a Mexican drug trafficking cartel primarily operating out of the states of Baja California, Sinaloa, Durango, Sonora and Chihuahua.[1][2] The cartel is also known as the Guzmán-Loera Organization and the Pacific Cartel, the latter due to the coast of Mexico from which it originated, other names include the Federation or Golden Triangle.[3][1][4]

Operations

The cartel is primarily involved in the smuggling and distribution of Colombian cocaine, Mexican marijuana, methamphetamine, and Mexican and Southeast Asian heroin into the United States.[5][6] It is believed that a group known as the Herrera Organization would transport multi-ton quantities of cocaine from South America to Guatemala on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel; from there it is smuggled north to Mexico and later in the United States.[7] Other shipments of cocaine are believed to originate in Colombia from the Cali and Medellín Cartel from which the Sinaloa Cartel handle transportation across the U.S. border to distribution cells in Arizona, California, Texas, Chicago and New York.[5][1][8]

In the late 1980s, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration believed the Sinaloa Cartel was the largest drug trafficking organization operating in Mexico.[9] By the mid-1990s it was believed to be the size of the Medellín Cartel during its prime.[9] The Sinaloa Cartel was believed to be linked to the Juárez Cartel in a strategic alliance following the partnership of their rivals, the Gulf Cartel and Tijuana Cartel.[6][9][10] Following the discovery of a tunnel system used to smuggle drug across the Mexican/US border, the group has been associated with such means of trafficking.[11][8]

By 2005, the Beltran-Leyva brothers, who were formerly aligned with the Sinaloa Cartel, had come to dominate drug trafficking across the border with Arizona. By 2006, Sinaloa Cartel had eliminated all competition across the 330 miles of Arizona border, and it was suspected they had accomplished this by bribing state government officials. The Beltran-Leyva brothers are now allies of Los Zetas of the Gulf Cartel.

In January 2008 the cartel had allegedly split into a number of warring factions, which is a major cause in the epidemic of drug violence Mexico has seen in the last year. [12]

On February 25, 2009, the United States government announced the arrest of 750 members of the Sinaloa Cartel across the U.S. They also announced the seizure of more than $59 million in cash and numerous vehicles, planes, and boats.[13][14]

In March 2009, the Mexican Government announces the deployment of 1,000 Federal Police officers and 5,000 Mexican Army soldiers to restore order in Ciudad Juárez where Sinaloa Cartel has been battling Los Zetas of the Gulf Cartel. The city has suffered over 1,600 deaths related to drug trafficking, the highest in the country. [15]

Leadership

File:Juaquin Guzman-Loera.jpg
Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
Main article: Joaquín Guzmán

The Sinaloa Cartel used to be known as La Aliaza de Sangre (Blood Partnership). When Héctor Luis Palma Salazar (a.k.a: El Guero) was arrested on June 23, 1995 by elements of the Mexican Army, his partner Joaquín Guzmán Loera took the leadership of the cartel.[2][16] Guzmán was captured in Guatemala on June 9, 1993 and extradited to Mexico, where he was jailed in a maximum security prison, but on January 19, 2001 Guzmán escaped and resumed his command of the Sinaloa Cartel. Guzmán has since forged a partnership with Ismael Zambada García[17] and Javier Torres Felix. Guzman and Zambada became Mexico's top drug kingpins in 2003, after the arrest of their rival Osiel Cardenas of the Gulf Cartel. So far, Guzmán and Zambada have evaded operations to capture them.


Battling the Tijuana Cartel

The Sinaloa Cartel has been waging a war against the Tijuana Cartel (Arellano-Félix Organization) over the Tijuana smuggling route to the border city of San Diego, California. The rivalry between the two cartels dates back to the Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo setup of Palma's family. Félix Gallardo, following his imprisonment, bestowed the Guadalajara Cartel to his nephews in the Tijuana Cartel. In 1992 Palma struck out against the Tijuana Cartel at a disco in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, where eight Tijuana Cartel members were killed in the shootout, the Arellano-Félix brothers having successfully escaped from the location.[17]

In retaliation, the Tijuana Cartel attempted to set up Guzmán at Guadalajara airport on May 24, 1993. In the shootout that followed, six civilians were killed by the hired gunmen from the Logan Heights, San Diego-based 30th Street gang.[17] The deaths included that of Roman Catholic Cardinal Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo. The church hierarchy originally believed Ocampo was targeted as revenge for his strong stance against the drug trade; however, Mexican officials believe Ocampo just happened to be caught in cross fire.[18][19][20] The Cardinal arrived at the airport in a Mercury Grand Marquis town car, known to be popular amongst drug barons, making it a target.[18][19][20] This explanation however is often countered due to Ocampo having been wearing a long black cassock and large pectoral cross, as well as him sharing no similarity in appearance with Guzmán and having been gunned down from only two feet away.[17]

Edgar Valdéz Villarreal

Main article: Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal
File:Edgar Barbie Valdez.JPG
Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez

Edgar "La Barbie" Valdez Villarreal is a Sinaloa cartel lieutenant and the operator of its armed group known as Los Negros,[21][22] formed by the Sinaloa Cartel to counter the operations of the rival Gulf Cartel's Los Zetas.[6][23][1] Los Negros have been known to employ gangs such as the Mexican Mafia, and MS-13 to carry out murders and other illegal activities. These are Los Angeles based street gangs who are known to be rivals but when asked to work for the Sinaloa Cartel they put their differences aside.[24] The group is currently involved in fighting in the Nuevo Laredo region for control of the drug trafficking corridor.[23][6][1] Following the 2003 arrest of Gulf Cartel leader Osiel Cárdenas, it is believed the Sinaloa Cartel moved 200 men into the region to battle the Gulf Cartel for control.[10] The Nuevo Laredo region is an important drug trafficking corridor into Laredo, Texas, where as much as 40% of all Mexican exports pass through into the United States.

Following the 2002 assassination of journalist Roberto Javier Mora García from El Mañana newspaper, much of the local media has been cautious reporting the fighting. The cartels have pressured reporters to send messages and wage a media war. In 2008, Edgar Valdez took out an ad in the local paper accusing Los Zetas of being "narco-kidnappers" and purchasing protection from state officials and the attorney general's office.[citation needed] The drug war between the Sinaloa, Tijuana and Gulf cartels has spread to various regions of Mexico such as Guerrero, Mexico City, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Freeman, Laurie. State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico (PDF). Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. pp. 7, 13, 15.
  2. ^ a b Bailey, John J. (2000). Organized Crime and Democratic Governability: Mexico and the U.S.-Mexican Borderlands. Univ of Pittsburgh Press. p. 146. ISBN 0822957582. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Rama, Anahi (April 7, 2008). "Mexico blames Gulf cartel for surge in drug murders". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  4. ^ Carter, Sara A. (March 3, 2009). "100,000 foot soldiers in Mexican cartels". The Washington Times. Retrieved 2009-03-03.
  5. ^ a b Green, Eric (February 19, 2004). "U.S. Arrests Alleged Mastermind of Mexico-Arizona Drug Tunnel". U.S. Department of State. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  6. ^ a b c d Mallory, Stephen L (2007). Understanding Organized Crime. Jones & Bartlett Publishers. p. 67. ISBN 0763741086.
  7. ^ "International Narcotics Control Strategy Report - 2008". Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. March 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  8. ^ a b "Joaquin Guzman-Loera". Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  9. ^ a b c "United States of America v. Felipe de Jesus Corona Verbera" (PDF). United States Court of Appeals. December 7, 2007: 3. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  10. ^ a b "A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border" (PDF). Majority Staff of the House Committee on Homeland Security. January 9, 2008: 12, 13. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  11. ^ "Sinaloa Cartel Leader Possibly Dead". Newschannel 5 KRGV. March 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  12. ^ BBC News - Mexican drug gang killings surge
  13. ^ Hundreds arrested in cross-country campaign against cartel
  14. ^ DEA arrests 750
  15. ^ "Mexico sending more forces to Ciudad Juárez". Los Angeles Times. March 03, 2009. Retrieved 2009-03-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Oppenheimer, Andres (1996). Bordering on Chaos: Guerrillas, Stockbrokers, Politicians, and Mexico's Road to Prosperity. Little Brown & Co. pp. 298, 202, 300. ISBN 0316650951.
  17. ^ a b c d Crosthwaite, Luis Humberto. Puro Border: Dispatches, Snapshots & Graffiti from La Frontera. Cinco Puntos Press. p. 115. ISBN 0938317598.
  18. ^ a b Gray, Mike (2000). Drug Crazy: How We Got Into This Mess and How We Can Get Out. Routledge. p. 136. ISBN 0415926475.
  19. ^ a b DePalma, Anthony (2001). Here: A Biography of the New American Continent. PublicAffairs. p. 23. ISBN 1891620835.
  20. ^ a b Warnock, John W. (1995). The Other Mexico: The North American Triangle Completed. Black Rose Books Ltd. p. 230. ISBN 1551640287.
  21. ^ Freeman, Laurie. State of Siege:Drug-Related Violence and Corruption in Mexico (PDF). Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. pp. 7, 13, 15.
  22. ^ Samuels, Lennox (March 21, 2006). "Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2008-04-13.
  23. ^ a b Samuels, Lennox (March 21, 2006). "Lieutenant in Mexican drug cartel a wanted man". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2008-04-11.
  24. ^ Weak bilateral law enforcement presence at the U.S.Mexico border. Committee on the Judiciary House of Representatives. November 17, 2005. p. 11. ISBN 1422334414.

See also

External links

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