Ovidio Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has reached an agreement with U.S. authorities to plead guilty in a federal court in Chicago. His decision is part of a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice, which could grant him a reduced sentence in exchange for cooperation.
Guzmán, known as “El Ratón,” was extradited from Mexico to the United States in September 2023 after being captured in January of the same year. He faces multiple charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. His plea change is scheduled for July 9, 2025, after his initial hearing on May 12 was postponed.
The agreement suggests that Guzmán may provide valuable information about the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel, including its leadership structure and international drug trafficking networks. His testimony could impact ongoing investigations into other cartel members, including his brothers Iván Archivaldo, Jesús Alfredo, and Joaquín Guzmán López, who lead the faction known as “Los Chapitos”.
This development raises questions about the effectiveness of Mexico’s security policies and the extent of cartel influence. Guzmán was previously arrested in 2019 but was released after cartel violence erupted in Culiacán, an event known as “El Culiacanazo”. His cooperation with U.S. authorities could lead to further arrests and legal actions against high-ranking cartel figures.
While the full details of his plea deal remain undisclosed, Guzmán’s decision marks a significant moment in the fight against organized crime, potentially reshaping the landscape of drug enforcement in North America.
Source: La Razon
