A new El Chapo' emerges in Sinaloa

"The dust has settled from the latest war within the Sinaloa Cartel, revealing the shape of what remains of the surviving criminal structures after 15 months of fighting. The infighting between factions has left the main ones battered, especially Los Chapitos, commanded by the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, the old regional drug lord. Of the four sons, only two remain at large, living on the run and stripped of their key lieutenants, who have either been killed or captured."

"Their enemies the sons and followers of their father's former partner, Ismael El Mayo Zambada have emerged stronger from the war. But the biggest victory in all this violent chaos belongs to neither faction. A new Chapo is emerging in Sinaloa, less media-savvy than his predecessor, but just as capable of exporting drugs north. Security sources consulted by EL PAIS indicate that the main beneficiary of the cartel war is, beyond a doubt, the group led by Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, alias El Chapo" Isidro."

"One of the U.S. government's biggest enemies, Meza Flores runs a major operation producing and trafficking synthetic drugs, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, primarily in northern Sinaloa, especially in Los Mochis and Guasave. He exports more drugs than everyone else, one of the sources asserts. He's the big winner of the war; he's very powerful, the same source adds, a surprising statement given the events of December."

The Sinaloa Cartel's 15-month internal war left major factions battered, with Los Chapitos especially weakened. Only two of Joaquin Guzman's four sons remain free, operating on the run and lacking key lieutenants, many of whom were killed or captured. The sons and followers of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada gained strength during the conflict. Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, alias El Chapo Isidro, emerged as the main beneficiary, expanding synthetic-drug production and trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine in northern Sinaloa, notably around Los Mochis and Guasave. Mexican forces dealt significant blows to El Chapo Isidro's network in December, targeting the Inzunza family.

Read at english.elpais.com