Background on Jorge Humberto Figueroa, aka “El Perris”
Jorge Humberto Figueroa, known as “El Perris” or “27,” was a prominent leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had offered a $1 million reward for his capture due to his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering.
Violent Conflict Between Sinaloa Cartel Factions
The state of Sinaloa has experienced a violent power struggle between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel since September 2019, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths. This conflict has been marked by intense violence and attempts to undermine law enforcement.
The “Culiacanzo” Incident of October 2019
In October 2019, members of the Sinaloa Cartel clashed with security forces following a failed operation to apprehend Ovidio Guzmán, the son of Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán, one of the cartel’s co-founders. Ovidio Guzmán was eventually captured in 2023 and extradited to the United States.
Figueroa’s Role and Affiliation
According to Mexican media, Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez was a member of the faction led by “Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, known as “Los Chapitos.” This group has been in conflict with the heirs of Ismael “Mayo” Zambada, another cartel leader currently imprisoned in the United States.
Reforma newspaper reported that Figueroa Benítez served as the “security chief” for “Los Chapitos.”
Figueroa’s Death in a Military Operation
On Friday, the Mexican army killed “El Perris” during an operation to detain him, according to Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Public Security. García Harfuch stated that Figueroa was “one of the main orchestrators of attacks against authorities in Culiacán in 2019.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Jorge Humberto Figueroa? Figueroa, also known as “El Perris” or “27,” was a top leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.
- Why was Figueroa targeted by the Mexican army? The DEA offered a $1 million reward for Figueroa due to his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. He was considered one of the main orchestrators of attacks against authorities in Culiacán in 2019.
- What is the conflict between Sinaloa Cartel factions? The conflict stems from a power struggle between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by “Chapo” Guzmán’s sons (“Los Chapitos”) and the heirs of Ismael “Mayo” Zambada. This violent dispute has resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths since September 2019.
- What was the “Culiacanzo” incident? In October 2019, members of the Sinaloa Cartel clashed with security forces following a failed operation to apprehend Ovidio Guzmán, the son of cartel co-founder Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán. Ovidio Guzmán was eventually captured in 2023 and extradited to the United States.
