A source from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reportedly informed Mexican newspaper El Universal that Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has entered the U.S. Witness Protection Program under the custody of the U.S. Marshals. The source added that Guzmán will not be presented publicly as his case is classified.
Guzmán López, known as "El Ratón," is no longer listed under the U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) custody. His BOP record indicates that he was "released" on July 23. This development has led the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) in Mexico to suggest a possible connection between the kidnapping of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada and the alleged release of Ovidio Guzmán.
Timeline of Conflicting Reports
The day following the detention of 'El Mayo' Zambada, the Mexican Department of Security reported that the U.S. Embassy clarified Ovidio Guzmán's status. According to the embassy, Guzmán was not released but had a change in his custody conditions
The FGR stated that Ovidio Guzmán was released on July 23, while Zambada's arrest occurred on July 25 upon his arrival at a Texas airport. This information aligns with the BOP's data, referring to 'El Chapo's son by his prisoner number, 72884-748.
Who is Ovidio Guzmán, and why is he important?
Ovidio Guzmán López, son of the notorious drug lord Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, is a significant player within the Sinaloa Cartel. His faction, known as 'Los Chapitos,' has been involved in a power struggle with other groups vying for cartel control. His apparent entry into the Witness Protection Program could signify a significant shift in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
'El Mayo' Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel and long considered one of the most elusive drug lords, was arrested near El Paso, Texas, in July 2023. According to reports, his capture was linked to undercover operations involving Ovidio Guzmán, and his brother Joaquín Guzmán López, who was captured with him.
Zambada had managed to avoid capture for decades and played a crucial role alongside 'El Chapo' in the cartel's operations.
The Role of Witness Protection and Legal Maneuvers
Entering the Witness Protection Program, as El Universal reported, typically involves a series of legal maneuvers designed to protect key witnesses in criminal cases. For someone like Ovidio Guzmán, who possesses significant insider knowledge about the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel, this could mean a substantial shift in the prosecution's approach towards dismantling the cartel's remaining power structures.
The use of witness protection also raises questions about the level of cooperation Guzmán may be providing to U.S. authorities. It is not uncommon for high-profile cartel members to offer valuable intelligence in exchange for reduced sentences or protection from retaliation.
Also,the DEA source's information points to a highly sensitive legal and political situation involving both U.S. and Mexican authorities. The FGR's demand for clarity on Guzmán's status underscores the ongoing tension between the two countries in handling high-profile cartel cases. The involvement of the U.S. Marshals and the classified nature of Guzmán's case further complicates efforts to provide transparent information to the public.
The conflicting reports from both Mexican and U.S. agencies only add to the intrigue surrounding one of the most notorious figures in organized crime. As new details emerge, the global audience waits to see how this complex saga will unfold.
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