Cartel boss El Chapo’s son arrested in Mexico

Ovidio Guzman, the son of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman, was arrested in northern Mexico today, according to local media.

Guzman had been captured by federal police once before in 2019, but he was freed mere hours later over fears his incarceration would lead to more violence.

A firefight broke out between members of the Sinaloa cartel and Mexican security services throughout parts of the city of Culiacan on Thursday. Culiacan residents were told not leave their homes as police set up street blockades.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said a federal police operation had been taking place in the state, but that he could not give further details for the time being.

Videos posted on social media showed chaotic scenes at an airport in Culiacan, around buildings, and on the streets.

Guzman, 32, is thought to  have been involved in his father’s drug trafficking operation since he was a teenager. Authorities believe he has played an even more direct role since El Chapo was arrested in 2016.

Once considered the most powerful drug trafficker in the world, El Chapo was extradited to the United States where he is serving a life sentence on charges related to running the Sinaloa cartel.

More to follow…

es/aw (EFE, Reuters)

Article source: https://www.dw.com/en/cartel-boss-el-chapo-s-son-arrested-in-mexico/a-64299105?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf