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El Chapo first appeared on the most wanted list in 2001, when he escaped from the Federal Center for Social Rehabilitation in Puente Grande, Jalisco, in a laundry cart.
He is also the most wanted drug trafficker by the U.S. government. According to information from the PGR, the Sinaloa cartel operates in 24 states and several countries in Central and South America. Chapo has been linked to transnational mafias, sending cocaine to Europe. Since his escape, he has wove alliances with bosses such as Ismael Zambada, Juan Jose Esparragoza Moreno, and Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal.
El Chapo has dished out full frontal attacks on many border cities, with goals to take the crossing points for himself. These actions have caused great violence in some border cities, as the defending cartels have attempted to fight off his forces.
El Chapo reportedly married a beauty queen of 18 years old in 2007. He is wanted for organized crime and drug crimes. He has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the richest and most powerful figures in the world.
In March of 2012, Mexican authorities claimed they almost captured Guzmán at a Los Cabos, Baja California Sur residence.
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Information on the "NINE" was provided by the PGR and first published by Sin Embargo, on July 22nd, 2013. Data was translated, as well as additional information added, by K.Mennem. Original article by Sin Embargo was posted in English to the Borderland Beat Forum by DD.
When Enrique Peña Nieto took the presidential office, in December of 2012, a list of 10 major wanted drug lords loomed over Mexico. EPN, as many call the president, stated he would alter the mission of Mexico's drug war. His initial plan would focus on securing dangerous areas, instead of chasing after drug lords that were wanted by the United States.
On July 15, 2013, one of those top drug lords was captured. Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, a.k.a. Z-40, was captured near Nuevo Laredo and the U.S. border. He was the alleged leader of the ruthless Los Zetas cartel.
Many are left wondering, will any of the others be taken down? Was the capture of Z-40 only by chance or with strict guidance of the U.S.?
It is hard to predict the true result of capturing major drug lords. Some only estimate these captures or kills to cause more violence. However, not going after the bosses would be giving organized crime in Mexico the wrong signal, allowing drug lords to think they can carry on without facing justice for the crimes they have committed.
On July 15, 2013, one of those top drug lords was captured. Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, a.k.a. Z-40, was captured near Nuevo Laredo and the U.S. border. He was the alleged leader of the ruthless Los Zetas cartel.
Many are left wondering, will any of the others be taken down? Was the capture of Z-40 only by chance or with strict guidance of the U.S.?
It is hard to predict the true result of capturing major drug lords. Some only estimate these captures or kills to cause more violence. However, not going after the bosses would be giving organized crime in Mexico the wrong signal, allowing drug lords to think they can carry on without facing justice for the crimes they have committed.
9 - Juan Pablo "El JL" Ledezma
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Cártel de Juárez -- Bounty 15 million pesos ($1,198,890 USD)
Age and birthplace unknown. Believed to be the leader of La Línea. On most wanted list since 2009.
The second in importance after Vicente Carrillo in the Juarez cartel. Little information is known about the suspect, but according to the PGR (Mexico Attorney General), "El JL" is responsible for illegal activities in the Chihuahua plaza and is in command of at least two groups of gunmen. Among them La Línea and el Grupo Cóndor. He is wanted for organized crime and drug crimes.
Pablo Ledezma was behind much of the violence that led Ciudad Juárez to being listed as one of the most violent city in the world during 2011.
8- Vicente "El Viceroy" Carrillo Fuentes
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Cártel de Juárez -- Bounty 30 million pesos ($2,397,780 USD)
Pablo Ledezma was behind much of the violence that led Ciudad Juárez to being listed as one of the most violent city in the world during 2011.
8- Vicente "El Viceroy" Carrillo Fuentes
50 years old. Born in Navolato, Sinaloa, Mexico. Alleged leader of the Juarez Cartel.
Vicente inherited the Juarez Cartel from his brother, Amado, who was known as the “Señor de los Cielos”. Amado died during a facial surgery. Vicente formed a band of ruthless sicarios, including corrupt police officers, known as La Linea. His cartel also works with a U.S. prison gang known as the "Barrio Azteca", which carries out assassinations. Vicente Carrillo allied with the Gulf Cartel and the Beltran Leyva brothers, after breaking with the Sinaloa. He controls one of the most important routes for smuggling tons of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine, from northern Mexico to the United States.
7- Luis Fernando “El Ingeniero” Sánchez Arellano
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Cártel de los Arellano Félix -- Bounty 30 million pesos
7- Luis Fernando “El Ingeniero” Sánchez Arellano
Believed to be in his 30's. Likely born in the Tijuana, Baja California area. Alleged leader of the Arellano Felix Organization, which is also known as the Tijuana Cartel.
Fernando is the heir of the Arellano Felix clan, which controlled Tijuana beginning in the 1980s. Though weakened by the rise of other criminal groups, the Tijuana cartel still controls much of drug trafficking along the far northwest border with the U.S. After the deaths and arrests of several members of the Arellano Felix family, and especially after the arrest of his uncle Eduardo Arellano Felix on October 25, 2008, Luis Fernando Sanchez took the leadership of the cartel. This action was likely in collaboration with his mother, Enedina Arellano Felix.
Despite allegedly having a hands on approach to running the Arellano Felix Organization, Luis Fernando has evaded being detected in the Baja California area. Some sources have stated that Luis Fernando may be living in Southern California.
6-Juan José “El Azul” Esparragoza Moreno
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Cártel de Sinaloa -- Bounty 30 million pesos
Fernando is the heir of the Arellano Felix clan, which controlled Tijuana beginning in the 1980s. Though weakened by the rise of other criminal groups, the Tijuana cartel still controls much of drug trafficking along the far northwest border with the U.S. After the deaths and arrests of several members of the Arellano Felix family, and especially after the arrest of his uncle Eduardo Arellano Felix on October 25, 2008, Luis Fernando Sanchez took the leadership of the cartel. This action was likely in collaboration with his mother, Enedina Arellano Felix.
Despite allegedly having a hands on approach to running the Arellano Felix Organization, Luis Fernando has evaded being detected in the Baja California area. Some sources have stated that Luis Fernando may be living in Southern California.
6-Juan José “El Azul” Esparragoza Moreno
64 years old. Born in Huichiopa, Badiraguato, Sinaloa. High ranking Sinaloa Cartel leader.
El Azul was an agent of the Federal Judicial Police. His beginnings in organized crime came in the 1980's when he joined the Guadalajara Cartel, which was led by Rafael Caro Quintero, Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo, and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo.
He is believed to have had a role in the death of the of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique Camarena Salazar in 1985, while he was investigating marijuana plants. For this case, "El Azul" was arrested in 1986 by the commander of the Federal Judicial Police, Florentino Ventura. He was imprisoned for seven years in custody in the Southern Federal District. Shortly after his release, Ventura and others involved in the arrest were killed.
His nickname is linked to the complexion of his skin, as it is considered by some to be dark enough to be blue. He operates in Sinaloa and Jalisco. He is wanted for organized crime and drug crimes
His nickname is linked to the complexion of his skin, as it is considered by some to be dark enough to be blue. He operates in Sinaloa and Jalisco. He is wanted for organized crime and drug crimes
5- Ismael “El Mayo" Zambada García
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Cártel de Sinaloa -- Bounty 30 million pesos
65 years old. Born in El Alamo, Culiacan, Sinaloa. Alleged to be a co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
"El Mayo" Zambada began his career in drug trafficking during the eighties, in the organizations of Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo. He later worked in the criminal organization of Amado Carrillo, which he rose to assume leadership after the death of Carrillo.
In contrast to other drug traffickers, Zambada has always tried to keep a low profile, which has allowed him to remain virtually untouchable against Mexican and U.S. authorities for more than three decades. There is an unofficial version that Ismael Zambada resorted to plastic surgery to change his face, thus preventing identification. Few actual images have ever been released of him.
Since 2001, "El Mayo" Zambada began working in collaboration with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and the Sinaloa Cartel, especially through his son, Vicente Zambada Niebla. Vicente played a key role in the cartel to coordinate sending several tons of cocaine from various countries in Central and South America, via Mexico, for the United States.
Since 2001, "El Mayo" Zambada began working in collaboration with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and the Sinaloa Cartel, especially through his son, Vicente Zambada Niebla. Vicente played a key role in the cartel to coordinate sending several tons of cocaine from various countries in Central and South America, via Mexico, for the United States.
Vincent was captured along with his bodyguards by the Mexican Army on March 18, 2009, carrying weapons considered exclusive use of the armed forces. On February 18, 2010, he was extradited to the U.S. to face federal charges.
His area of operation is in Sinaloa, Sonora, Yucatan and Chihuahua. Like his partner, "El Chapo", he is also one of the most wanted by the U.S. government. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, weapons collection, and operations with illegal proceeds.
4- Óscar Omar “Z 42″ Treviño Morales
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Cártel de los Zetas -- Bounty 30 million pesos
His area of operation is in Sinaloa, Sonora, Yucatan and Chihuahua. Like his partner, "El Chapo", he is also one of the most wanted by the U.S. government. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, weapons collection, and operations with illegal proceeds.
4- Óscar Omar “Z 42″ Treviño Morales
39 years old. Born in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. Alleged to be the new leader of the Los Zetas.
With the capture of his brother, Miguel Angel "Z-40" Trevino, Omar is designated as the new leader of the cartel. According to sources from the PGR, Omar Trevino was the right hand of "Z-40" since 2010. Another brother was arrested in 2012, running a horse ranch in Oklahoma. The ranch was used to launder drug proceeds.
Omar has been blamed for kidnappings and killings in Nuevo Laredo that occurred between 2005 and 2006, according to information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. He is wanted for organized crime and possession of firearms for use by the Army, Navy and Air Force.
3- Servando “La Tuta” Gómez Martínez
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Cártel de los Caballeros Templarios-- Bounty 30 million pesos
With the capture of his brother, Miguel Angel "Z-40" Trevino, Omar is designated as the new leader of the cartel. According to sources from the PGR, Omar Trevino was the right hand of "Z-40" since 2010. Another brother was arrested in 2012, running a horse ranch in Oklahoma. The ranch was used to launder drug proceeds.
Omar has been blamed for kidnappings and killings in Nuevo Laredo that occurred between 2005 and 2006, according to information from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. He is wanted for organized crime and possession of firearms for use by the Army, Navy and Air Force.
3- Servando “La Tuta” Gómez Martínez
47 years old. Born in Arteaga, Michoácan. High ranking operator in the Knights Templar Cartel.
According to information from the PGR, La Tuta was first a normal school teacher and then a farmer. He set up centers to help young people addicted to drugs. He is believed to have been a drug dealer since 2001. In 2010, it was revealed that he received federal salary as a teacher.
He was one of the founders of the violent La Familia Michoacana cartel, along with Nazario "El Chayo" Moreno Gonzales (allegedly killed by agents of the Federal Police) and Jesus "El Chango" Mendez Varga (captured by Federal Police). In 2011, he left La Familia to lead the Knights Templar.
"The Knights Templar" has mastered not only drug trafficking, but also vehicle theft, arms trafficking and smuggling in the coastal zone, which gave rise to the emergence of vigilante groups in Michoacan. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, illegal deprivation of liberty, aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.
2- Héctor “El H” Beltrán Leyva
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Cártel de los Beltrán Leyva -- Bounty 30 million pesos
According to information from the PGR, La Tuta was first a normal school teacher and then a farmer. He set up centers to help young people addicted to drugs. He is believed to have been a drug dealer since 2001. In 2010, it was revealed that he received federal salary as a teacher.
He was one of the founders of the violent La Familia Michoacana cartel, along with Nazario "El Chayo" Moreno Gonzales (allegedly killed by agents of the Federal Police) and Jesus "El Chango" Mendez Varga (captured by Federal Police). In 2011, he left La Familia to lead the Knights Templar.
"The Knights Templar" has mastered not only drug trafficking, but also vehicle theft, arms trafficking and smuggling in the coastal zone, which gave rise to the emergence of vigilante groups in Michoacan. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, illegal deprivation of liberty, aggravated murder and aggravated robbery.
2- Héctor “El H” Beltrán Leyva
48 years old. Born in Badiraguato, Sinaloa. Alleged leader of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel.
Hector Beltran Leyva, alias "El H", leads the organization of "The Beltran Leyva". He assumed the leadership of the cartel after the death of its founding leader, Arturo, and capture of his brothers, Carlos and Alfredo. The cartel operates in Sinaloa, Sonora, Nayarit, Guerrero, Puebla, Morelos, and in parts of the United States. The Beltrán Leyva Cartel is believed to be allied to some extent with the Los Zetas, Juarez Cartel, and the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
Since 2008 the cartel has been at war with the "Chapo" Guzman organization. Hector's brother Arthur was shot dead by Marines in December 2009. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, weapons collection, and resource operations with illegal proceeds.
1- Joaquín Archibaldo “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera
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Cártel de Sinaloa -- Recompensa 30 million pesos
Hector Beltran Leyva, alias "El H", leads the organization of "The Beltran Leyva". He assumed the leadership of the cartel after the death of its founding leader, Arturo, and capture of his brothers, Carlos and Alfredo. The cartel operates in Sinaloa, Sonora, Nayarit, Guerrero, Puebla, Morelos, and in parts of the United States. The Beltrán Leyva Cartel is believed to be allied to some extent with the Los Zetas, Juarez Cartel, and the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
Since 2008 the cartel has been at war with the "Chapo" Guzman organization. Hector's brother Arthur was shot dead by Marines in December 2009. He is wanted for organized crime, drug crimes, weapons collection, and resource operations with illegal proceeds.
1- Joaquín Archibaldo “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera
Believed to be between 56 and 58 years old. Born in La Tuna, Badiraguato, Sinaloa. Co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
El Chapo first appeared on the most wanted list in 2001, when he escaped from the Federal Center for Social Rehabilitation in Puente Grande, Jalisco, in a laundry cart.
He is also the most wanted drug trafficker by the U.S. government. According to information from the PGR, the Sinaloa cartel operates in 24 states and several countries in Central and South America. Chapo has been linked to transnational mafias, sending cocaine to Europe. Since his escape, he has wove alliances with bosses such as Ismael Zambada, Juan Jose Esparragoza Moreno, and Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal.
El Chapo has dished out full frontal attacks on many border cities, with goals to take the crossing points for himself. These actions have caused great violence in some border cities, as the defending cartels have attempted to fight off his forces.
El Chapo reportedly married a beauty queen of 18 years old in 2007. He is wanted for organized crime and drug crimes. He has been listed by Forbes Magazine as one of the richest and most powerful figures in the world.
In March of 2012, Mexican authorities claimed they almost captured Guzmán at a Los Cabos, Baja California Sur residence.
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Information on the "NINE" was provided by the PGR and first published by Sin Embargo, on July 22nd, 2013. Data was translated, as well as additional information added, by K.Mennem. Original article by Sin Embargo was posted in English to the Borderland Beat Forum by DD.