Security forces in Mexico have arrested a pilot known as “El Jando,” suspected of working for Los Chapitos, the cartel run by the sons of jailed drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. “El Jando” was detained in Culiacán, the heart of the cartel’s operations, during an operation that resulted in the death of one soldier. The pilot’s arrest, which occurred early Saturday morning, has only recently been followed by further details about the charges against him.
Mexican security officials confirmed that “El Jando” was a trusted pilot for the leader of Los Chapitos. Prosecutors allege that he was involved in drug and arms trafficking, as well as in several explosive attacks on security forces.
One of the most significant aspects of the investigation is the hope that “El Jando” may provide information about a flight that allegedly delivered drug kingpin “El Mayo” into the hands of US federal agents. According to US officials, “El Mayo,” a long-time associate of “El Chapo,” was betrayed by one of his sons, Joaquín Guzmán López. Guzmán López is believed to have tricked “El Mayo” into boarding a plane, which then crossed into the United States, leading to his arrest.
Photos from US law enforcement show the dramatic moment when both men were arrested at a private airport near El Paso, Texas, by waiting federal agents. Those loyal to “El Mayo” claim that Guzmán López handed over the cartel leader as part of a deal to negotiate a reduced sentence for himself.
