Sinaloa Cartel Faction Dealt New Blow With Arrest of 'El 200,' Security Chief For 'Los Chapitos'

One of the factions of the Sinaloa Cartel vying for control of the region just got dealt a new blow after one of its top security chiefs was arrested by Mexican authorities on Wednesday.

Kevin Alonso Gil Acosta, also known as "El 200" and "El Cabo" (The Corporal), was arrested, said on Thursday Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch. He worked for "Los Chapitos," the cartel faction led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, engulfed in a bloody war with "La Mayiza," still loyal to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.

"El '200' was responsible for the security of the criminal organization and coordinated the purchase of weapons and ammo for 'Los Chapitos.' He is linked to murders, extortions and attacks to authorities," García Harfuch said in a publication on X announcing the arrest.

The arrest was part of a larger operation in which authorities also apprehended José Ángel Cannobio Inzunza. Known as "El Güerito," he is also a top official in the organization. According to Infobae, he handles the cartel's finances and is the mastermind behind its fentanyl operations.

Authorities also recently arrested Mauro Alejandro "N," the pilot that allegedly helped "Los Chapitos" transport Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada against his will to the U.S., where he was later arrested.

The operation took place during the early hours of Feb. 8 in the neighborhood of Jesús María, located in southern Culiacán. Harfuch labelled El Jando as an important member for Los Chapitos as well as a close ally of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar and other sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

"This person has been linked to violent attacks against law enforcement and with trafficking drugs into the U.S.," Harfuch said. "We praise the courage and the commitment shown by members of the Mexican Army, and we send our condolences to the family of the soldier that lost his life during the operation," he added.