President Biden Welcomes Arrest of Nestor Isidro Pérez Salas, Alleged Security Chief for Sinaloa Drug Cartel’s “Chapitos” Wing

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Mexico’s National Guard officers made a significant arrest on Wednesday as they apprehended Nestor Isidro Pérez Salas, the alleged security chief for the “Chapitos” wing of the Sinaloa drug cartel. This hyper-violent arrest was met with gratitude on Thanksgiving Day by President Joe Biden. Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” was detained at a walled property in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state.

The arrest of Pérez Salas was a major achievement, as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had previously posted a $3 million reward for his capture. He is wanted in the United States on charges of conspiracy to import and distribute fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid. Additionally, Pérez Salas is believed to have been involved in numerous acts of murder and torture within Mexico.

Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, described Pérez Salas as a “complete psychopath.” Taking him out of commission is seen as a positive development for Mexico’s security. Pérez Salas was known for his association with the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the imprisoned drug lord. He played a crucial role in their drug business and protection, particularly for the faction of the cartel known as the “Chapitos.”

The Chapitos have gained notoriety as one of the main exporters of fentanyl to the U.S. market. Fentanyl, a potent opioid, has been responsible for approximately 70,000 overdose deaths annually in the United States. Pérez Salas was in charge of security for the Chapitos in Sinaloa state and commanded a violent group called the Ninis. This group received specialized training in combat tactics and was known for its brutality.

According to an indictment unsealed earlier this year by the U.S. Justice Department, Pérez Salas and his gang engaged in gruesome acts of violence. They tortured a Mexican federal agent in 2017, inserting a corkscrew into his muscles and inflicting other torturous acts. The Ninis, led by Pérez Salas and Jorge Figueroa Benitez, were responsible for executing captured rivals. Some victims were even fed to tigers owned by the Chapitos.

The arrest of Pérez Salas comes at a time when the Sinaloa cartel, previously led by El Chapo and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, is undergoing a power shift. With El Chapo serving a life sentence and El Mayo facing health issues, the Chapitos have become more aggressive and violent in their operations.

President Joe Biden expressed his gratitude to Mexican authorities for the successful arrest. The apprehension of Pérez Salas, a wanted criminal in both Mexico and the United States, demonstrates the commitment of Mexican security forces in combating drug trafficking. President Biden emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation between the two countries in addressing the illicit drug trade, especially the trafficking of fentanyl.

The timing of this arrest, along with the previous arrest of Ovidio Guzman López, another member of the Chapitos, may not be mere coincidence. Some speculate that Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is making a gesture of goodwill in his final hours as president, as he is set to leave office in September.

In conclusion, the arrest of Nestor Isidro Pérez Salas, the alleged security chief for the Chapitos wing of the Sinaloa drug cartel, marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s fight against drug trafficking. The apprehension of this hyper-violent individual, wanted by both Mexico and the United States, is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and security of both nations. The cooperation between Mexican and U.S. authorities in this operation underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating the illicit drug trade..