NOGALES, Sonora — A series of alarming revelations have surfaced regarding the local political landscape, as investigations link the discovery of a major narcotunnel to allegations of criminal financing involving the “Los Salazar” cartel and the Morena party.
Journalist Héctor de Mauleón has revealed details of a report suggesting that Marcela Valenzuela Nevares, a Morena deputy and current candidate for the mayoralty of Nogales, may be the recipient of criminal financing from the Los Salazar cartel. The alleged arrangement involves the delivery of funds in exchange for key positions in Public Security and ongoing protection for the group.
The Narcotunnel and Criminal Infrastructure
A central piece of evidence in this investigation is a 79-meter-long narcotunnel discovered in the center of Nogales. The tunnel was found to connect a residential property directly to the Arizona border. Although the site was initially secured, reports indicate that members of the Los Salazar group returned to the area to continue excavation work.
The property involved had previously served as a campaign headquarters for Movimiento Ciudadano between 2021 and 2024. It was also used by a customs agency owned by a close associate of former mayor Jesús Pujol Irastorza, who is currently under investigation for the embezzlement of 17 million pesos in public resources.
Violence and Money Trails
The investigation also links these political figures to a history of violence. It highlights the murder of a public servant, Cecilia Yépiz, who was reportedly killed by the son of a current Welfare delegate and Morena founder. Furthermore, the report details how the brothers of the former mayor were involved in drug trafficking, with one being sentenced for transporting narcotics across the border.
According to the findings, José Guillermo Duarte Astorga, known as “La Barbie,” acts as the primary intermediary between the Los Salazar cartel and the political group. The money trail allegedly moves from the criminal group to Jesús Roberto Hermosillo Cuen (known as “El Ferro”), who then distributes the funds to the group supporting Valenzuela Nevares.
This scheme marks a significant point of concern for the region. The report suggests that the cartel’s involvement is not just about influence but about securing the infrastructure of the state—specifically Public Security—to facilitate their criminal operations. For the residents of Nogales, these revelations cast a long shadow over the upcoming election and the ongoing struggle against organized crime in the border regions.