Day 797: Federal Offensive Nets 21 Detentions Across Chapitos and Mayiza Cells in a Week of Mazatlán-Area Operations

Reporting published September 27, 2026 tallied a week of federal, state and Navy operations (September 19-25) against both Sinaloa Cartel factions in and around Mazatlán, resulting in 21 total detentions. Among those captured: Erik Samuel Barraza Sánchez, alias 'El Fantasma,' identified as a La Mayiza local cell leader, and José Luis Ibarra Gutiérrez, alias 'El Prieto,' identified as a Los Chapitos member. A separate seizure south of Culiacán, at El Diez, recovered 49 tonnes of solid chemical substances and 45,490 liters of liquid precursor chemicals. Across the week's operations authorities reported seizing more than 40 firearms, roughly 2,500 rounds of ammunition, 40 improvised explosive devices, 415 fentanyl pills and six vehicles, one of them improvised with makeshift armor. SSPC, Navy (Semar), FGR, the Defense Secretariat and the National Intelligence Center were credited with the operations.