Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman: A Life Behind Bars
Denied Appeal, Vanishing Influence
In 2019, Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman was sentenced to life in prison, and recent efforts to appeal this decision were thwarted by Judge Brian Cogan. Former DEA head Mike Vigil believes Guzman’s days of freedom are over, asserting that his influence on the Sinaloa cartel has evaporated since his incarceration at Colorado’s supermax prison.
Isolated and Confined
Guzman’s confinement in the fortress-like facility offers no contact with the outside world. Vigil emphasizes that Guzman’s lack of interaction with the cartel or any means to communicate with the outside renders him powerless and resigned to his fate.
The Rise of the Chapitos
Cartel’s Continued Power
While El Chapo’s imprisonment marked a milestone, the Sinaloa cartel remains formidable, now led by his four sons known as Los Chapitos. Despite DEA efforts, Vigil contends that targeting these siblings won’t dismantle the cartel, asserting the organization’s ability to produce drugs independently.
Zambada’s Leadership
Vigil attributes the cartel’s continued efficiency to Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, who operates in the shadows, evading capture and effectively leading the organization. He compares Zambada to a powerful, untouchable figurehead within the criminal world.
Lopez Obrador’s Policy and the Cartel’s Impact
Failed Policies and Cartel’s Expansion
Vigil criticizes Mexican President Lopez Obrador’s policies, stating that his approach to cartels has exacerbated violence. Despite efforts to curtail cartel activities, the Sinaloa cartel continues to thrive, flooding the US with synthetic drugs like fentanyl.
Rising Drug Scourge
The influx of synthetic drugs, produced inexpensively and with minimal resources, has led to alarming scenes of drug-related chaos in American cities. Vigil highlights the ease with which cartels manufacture these substances, emphasizing the grim reality of their production.
Legal Battles and Cartel Dynamics
Legal Setbacks and Continuing Threats
El Chapo’s failed legal attempts at freedom coincide with the release of his wife, Emma Coronel. Despite her light sentence and plea deal, Vigil suggests she might now fear cartel retribution due to her knowledge and access to Guzman’s fortune.
Uncertain Future
Coronel’s release raises concerns about her safety, considering her ties to the cartel and her knowledge of its inner workings. Vigil underscores the inherent paranoia within cartel circles, speculating on the potential threats she might face due to her close association with El Chapo.
The saga surrounding El Chapo’s downfall and the enduring power of the Sinaloa cartel continues to captivate, revealing a complex web of legal battles, cartel dynamics, and the pervasive influence of drug trafficking in both Mexico and the United States.