Background and Relevance
Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” is a prominent figure in the Mexican drug trade, particularly associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. His father, Dámaso López Núñez or “El Licenciado,” was a former leader of the same cartel. El Mini Lic’s significance stems from his role as a key leader within the Sinaloa Cartel and his involvement in trafficking substantial quantities of illicit drugs into the United States.
Plea Agreement and Previous Collaboration
On May 28, El Mini Lic appeared before the Eastern District Court of Virginia and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, a highly potent and dangerous opioid. He acknowledged violating Title 21 of the U.S. Code, sections 841 and 846, pertaining to narcotics offenses.
This recent plea agreement mirrors a previous collaboration El Mini Lic had with U.S. authorities. In 2017, he turned himself in at Calexico, California, and became a cooperating witness. His past collaboration led to a reduced sentence for prior drug trafficking charges involving heroína, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Arrest and Charges
The charges, dated December 13, 2024, and kept confidential until now, resulted in El Mini Lic’s detention in Virginia. He was on conditional release following a reduced sentence for previous drug-related offenses.
Role in Drug Trafficking
El Mini Lic was a leading figure within the Sinaloa Cartel’s faction and admitted his role in transporting tons of drugs into the United States. His cooperation with law enforcement agencies allowed him to serve only six years in prison before his release in 2022.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Dámaso López Serrano? El Mini Lic is a prominent figure in the Mexican drug trade, associated with the Sinaloa Cartel and the son of former cartel leader Dámaso López Núñez (El Licenciado).
- What charges did El Mini Lic plead guilty to? He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, violating Title 21 of the U.S. Code, sections 841 and 846.
- Why is El Mini Lic significant? He was a key leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, involved in trafficking substantial quantities of illicit drugs into the United States.
- What led to his recent arrest? Charges dated December 13, 2024, resulted in his detention in Virginia following his conditional release from a prior reduced sentence.
- What was El Mini Lic’s role in drug trafficking? He admitted to transporting tons of drugs into the United States and cooperated with law enforcement, serving only six years in prison before his release in 2022.
