(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a surprising turn of events, members of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico have claimed that they might reduce their production of the dangerous drug fentanyl. This comes as efforts between the U.S. and Mexico intensify to counter the drug and take legal actions against family members of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, a notorious cartel leader.
Both the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are seen as major threats to the U.S. This is due to their involvement in creating fentanyl from chemicals sourced from China. This drug is then made into pills which are consumed by Americans, often leading to fatal overdoses.
Recently, several banners were displayed in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, advocating for a ban on fentanyl. These banners, as reported by The Wall Street Journal, stated, “In Sinaloa, the sale, manufacture, transport or any kind of business involving the substance known as fentanyl, including the sale of chemical products for its elaboration, is permanently banned. You have been warned. Sincerely yours, the Chapitos.” The term “Chapitos” refers to the sons of El Chapo who took control of the cartel after their father’s arrest.
It’s uncertain if this move by the Sinaloa Cartel is genuine or just an attempt to improve their public image. This uncertainty arises as the U.S. government and Mexican authorities are actively working against the production and distribution of fentanyl.
Earlier, the Department of Justice announced the indictment of El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez. Additionally, sanctions have been placed on groups involved in fentanyl production. The origin of the banners remains a mystery, but they appear to be professionally printed.
A former member of the Sinaloa Cartel suggested that this might be a strategy to shift attention to the Jalisco cartel, their main competitor. However, U.S. officials haven’t seen any signs indicating that the Sinaloa Cartel will halt fentanyl production. Keith Humphreys, a professor at Stanford University, said, “Drug cartels engage in murder and kidnapping, traffic immigrants and corrupt government officials. Their word isn’t worth two pesos.”
The U.S. government would certainly welcome any reduction in fentanyl production. Fentanyl is a primary factor in the over 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the U.S. annually.
Some U.S. politicians have proposed using military force against the cartels in Mexico. They believe that the U.S. should step in if Mexico doesn’t act. In a recent summit, Biden highlighted the fentanyl issue. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador also had discussions in Mexico City. After their meeting, the State Department commented, “Secretary Blinken expressed the United States’ gratitude for Mexico’s efforts that led to the September 15 extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez while encouraging continued cooperation grounded in our shared respect for the rule of law.” The challenges of fentanyl and migration were also discussed.
