Mario Ramírez Treviño, a former leader of the Gulf Cartel, passed away on March 13, 2025, while in custody at a U.S. federal prison.
Known by his aliases “El Pelón” and “X20,” Ramírez Treviño had been extradited to the United States in 2017 to face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. He had spent nearly eight years in prison awaiting sentencing.
Ramírez Treviño rose to prominence within the Gulf Cartel in the early 2000s, eventually becoming its leader in 2013. His tenure was marked by violent power struggles and alliances with other criminal organizations, including Los Zetas. After his arrest by Mexican authorities in August 2013, he was extradited to the U.S., where he cooperated with law enforcement as a witness in cases against other cartel figures.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, as the U.S. Department of Justice has not disclosed the cause. His passing has led to the dismissal of pending criminal charges against him. Ramírez Treviño’s death marks the end of a significant chapter in the history of organized crime in Mexico and its impact on U.S.-Mexico relations.
Source: UNO TV
