Mexican government sources reported on 31/12/2025 that Pedro Inzunza Noriega, a suspected kingpin of the Sinaloa cartel, was arrested in the country's northwest.

Officials in Mexico and the US have not yet commented on the information.

In 5/2025, the US accused Noriega of smuggling significant amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin into the country. US officials stated Noriega was then the deputy leader of the Beltran Leyva Organization, an offshoot of the Sinaloa drug cartel believed to have disbanded.

Pedro Inzunza Noriega. Photo: US Department of Justice

The US Department of Justice stated its indictment marked the first time a Sinaloa cartel leader has been charged with "narco-terrorism and providing material support for terrorism".

"The Sinaloa cartel is a complex, dangerous terrorist organization. Dismantling it requires a robust legal response. The days of terrorizing Americans without consequence are over. We will seek life sentences for these terrorists", US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated.

Pedro Inzunza Coronel, Noriega's son and co-indicted with his father, was killed by the Mexican military during an anti-drug operation in 11/2025.

Since returning to the White House in 1/2025, President Donald Trump has pledged a strong crackdown on drug trafficking. Trump demanded Mexico intensify its anti-drug efforts, threatening tariffs on Mexican exports if the country did not bolster suppression measures.

In recent months, the US military has also conducted numerous raids on suspected drug-carrying vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, resulting in over 100 deaths.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)