Title: U.S. Government Thanks Mexico for Arrest of Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Security Chief
In a significant development in the fight against Mexican drug cartels, the U.S. government has expressed gratitude to the Mexican government for the arrest of Nestor Isidro Pérez Salas, an alleged hyper-violent security chief of the notorious Sinaloa cartel. The suspect was apprehended on Wednesday and is believed to have orchestrated a brutal attack on an unguarded apartment complex in 2019, where families of soldiers resided.
The attack in question was a direct response to a failed attempt to capture Ovidio Guzman, one of the sons of the incarcerated drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman and a leading figure within the Sinaloa cartel. Pérez Salas, known for his role as the head of security for Guzman and his brothers, collectively referred to as the “Chapitos,” allegedly masterminded the assault as a means to pressure the army for Guzman’s release.
In October 2019, armed cartel members surrounded the residential complex in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, and opened fire on the innocent families living there. The violence left 30 people dead, including 10 military personnel. Following Guzman’s capture by the soldiers, they were later ordered to release him to avoid further bloodshed.
Pérez Salas, also wanted for alleged torture of a Mexican federal agent in 2017 and involvement in other acts of violence, including the gruesome feeding of victims to tigers owned by the Chapitos, now faces extradition to the United States. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had offered a hefty $3 million reward for his capture, and President Joe Biden has commended the arrest, reflecting the commitment of both countries in combating violent cartels and drug trafficking.
This recent development has further strengthened the cooperation between the United States and Mexico in their joint efforts to tackle organized crime. The Mexican army has expressed personal satisfaction with the arrest, given Pérez Salas’ direct involvement in attacks against military personnel, which caused significant casualties.
As the focus on dismantling drug cartels intensifies, the arrest of Pérez Salas serves as a major milestone in bringing justice to the victims and combating the influence and power of these violent criminal organizations. The collaboration between the two nations marks a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and security of both countries and their citizens.
