U.S.-wanted nephew of El Chapo captured in Mexico operation

Nephew of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Captured in Mexico

Security authorities announced the capture of Isai “N”, nephew of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, on Tuesday. The arrest took place in Sonora, a northern border state.

Top security official Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed the operation on X, stating that 687 kilos of cocaine, 151 guns, and 18 grenades were also seized separately.

These actions highlight Mexico’s ongoing efforts to apprehend key targets and weaken criminal groups’ operational capabilities. The operations were based on central military intelligence from @Defensamx1 and coordinated with @FGRMexico through the Criminal Investigation Agency, @GN_MEXICO_, and other @GabSeguridadMX institutions.

El Chapo, extradited in 2017 after escaping twice from Mexican prisons, is serving a life sentence at a maximum security facility in Colorado. He faces multiple charges including drug trafficking and money laundering.

In court records released earlier this month, El Chapo requested U.S. authorities transfer him back to Mexico due to his “cruel punishment.” He has previously complained about isolation, poor conditions, and lack of family visits in prison. In 2023, he appealed for help from then President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador over alleged psychological torment.

El Chapo’s associates have been warring with factions tied to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, who is also awaiting trial in the U.S. Last month, Mexican soldiers captured three of El Chapo’s closest allies in an operation backed by U.S. intelligence. Aureliano Guzman Loera, known as “El Guano,” still has a $5 million bounty on his head.