Background on Archivaldo Guzmán
Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, a prominent leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and son of infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, is a 41-year-old fugitive sought by the U.S. government, which offers a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to his arrest.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Guzmán faces multiple federal charges related to international drug trafficking and money laundering. He is also charged with conspiracy to possess, import, and export controlled substances in violation of various articles of the U.S. Code.
The Recent Escape Attempt
In early 2025, Mexican special forces attempted to apprehend Archivaldo Guzmán in Culiacán, Sinaloa. The operation was triggered by the arrest of one of Guzmán’s trusted pilots, Mauro Alberto Núñez Ojeda (alias “El Jando”) along with two of his bodyguards.
Military commandos raided a secure house in Culiacán, where they found reinforced steel doors, family photos on the walls, military-grade weapons, and sports memorabilia in a room. However, the most intriguing discovery was an open closet concealing a well-lit tunnel extending three city blocks to an abandoned house.
Although the location was secured, Guzmán had already fled, leaving behind 15 prepaid phones, laptops, and personal items. A Mexican official told The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) that evidence suggests Guzmán was present and escaped upon hearing the forces entering.
Contextualizing the Operation
The operation, not yet officially confirmed by the Mexican government, reportedly took place days after El Jando’s capture on February 8, 2025, in Jesús María, Sinaloa. This is the same location where Guzmán’s half-brother, Ovidio Guzmán, was recaptured in 2023.
Impact and Significance
Archivaldo Guzmán’s escape highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in apprehending high-profile drug traffickers. His ability to evade authorities, aided by a network of informants and enforcers, underscores the complexity of combating organized crime.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Archivaldo Guzmán? He is a prominent leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, facing multiple federal charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering.
- What was the recent escape attempt? Mexican special forces attempted to arrest Guzmán in Culiacán, Sinaloa, following the capture of one of his trusted pilots, Mauro Alberto Núñez Ojeda (alias “El Jando”). Despite securing the location, Guzmán escaped through a hidden tunnel.
- When did this operation take place? The operation is believed to have occurred days after El Jando’s arrest on February 8, 2025.
- Why is this significant? Guzmán’s escape demonstrates the difficulties in apprehending high-profile drug traffickers and the need for improved international cooperation in combating organized crime.
