On February 12, 2021, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) charged two sons of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, along with numerous others, with a variety of heinous crimes. The charges include drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder.
The two sons, Joaquín Guzmán López and Ovidio Guzmán López, are accused of being high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. The DOJ alleges that they were involved in the importation and distribution of large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States.
In addition to the Guzmán brothers, the DOJ charged several other individuals who are alleged to have played key roles in the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations. These include Ismael Zambada García, who is believed to be the current leader of the cartel, and Rafael Caro Quintero, a former leader who was previously convicted for his role in the murder of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in 1985.
The charges against the Guzmán brothers and their associates are the result of a lengthy investigation by the DEA and other law enforcement agencies. According to Acting Attorney General Monty Wilkinson, “Today’s announcement demonstrates our relentless commitment to bring to justice those who smuggle deadly drugs into our country and contribute to a cycle of violence and instability overseas.”
The Sinaloa Cartel has been responsible for a significant amount of violence and bloodshed in Mexico and other countries. The cartel has been involved in numerous high-profile incidents, including the 2015 escape of El Chapo from a Mexican prison and the 2019 massacre of nine members of a Mormon family in northern Mexico.
The charges against the Guzmán brothers and their associates are just the latest in a series of actions taken by the U.S. government to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. In recent years, the DOJ has targeted other major drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Zetas.
The DOJ’s efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime are critical to protecting public safety and national security. The illegal drug trade fuels violence and instability in countries around the world, and the profits generated by drug trafficking organizations are often used to fund other criminal activities, including terrorism.
The charges against the Guzmán brothers and their associates are a reminder that no one is above the law, no matter how powerful or well-connected they may be. The DOJ’s commitment to holding these individuals accountable sends a strong message that drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime will not be tolerated.
