Key Players and Background Information
Pedro Inzunza Noriega, also known as “El Sagitario” or “El Señor de la Silla,” was apprehended on December 31 in Culiacán, Sinaloa. He is identified as the second-in-command of the Guasave Cartel, an organization linked to the Beltrán Leyva faction.
The Beltrán Leyva Organization is one of the most violent and powerful factions within the larger Sinaloa Cartel. Inzunza Noriega is considered one of the principal leaders of this faction, which has been associated with numerous homicides, kidnappings, torture, and violent extortion.
Federal Operation Details
The arrest was executed through a coordinated federal operation, led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). A federal judge issued a search warrant, which was carried out by the authorities. In addition to Inzunza Noriega, three other individuals were also detained.
The operation involved the use of at least one helicopter, equipped with what appeared to be submachine guns, providing aerial support, surveillance, and cover for ground forces. Neighbors reported that the helicopter hovered over the targeted property while federal agents advanced on adjacent streets with long guns, tactical gear, and armored vehicles.
Federal agents also established roadblocks using armored SUVs equipped with 360-degree view cameras, hatches, and ballistic glass to secure the perimeter and prevent any potential armed response.
Charges and Potential Penalties
In May 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice filed the first-ever narco-terrorism charges against alleged Sinaloa Cartel leaders, including Pedro Inzunza Noriega. He and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, face charges of narco-terrorism, material support for terrorism, large-scale drug trafficking, and money laundering.
These offenses could result in life imprisonment under U.S. law, following an executive order by then-President Donald Trump that designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization. This classification was formalized by the U.S. Department of State on February 20, 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Pedro Inzunza Noriega? He is a key leader within the Beltrán Leyva Organization, one of the most violent factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- What charges does Inzunza Noriega face? He is charged with narco-terrorism, material support for terrorism, large-scale drug trafficking, and money laundering.
- What is the significance of the Sinaloa Cartel being designated as a foreign terrorist organization? This classification allows for harsher penalties, including life imprisonment, for those convicted of related crimes in the United States.
