Dozens Have Been Detained in Sinaloa Since the Beginning of Cartel Turf Wars in Northern Mexico

The death toll in Sinaloa keeps on increasing since cartel turf wars erupted in Sept. 9; 18 more deaths have been reported since Oct. 12 (Credit: Via Getty Images)

SEATTLE - For over a month now, the Mexican state of Sinaloa has been living in limbo. Turf wars between factions of the now defunct eponymous Cartel has led to hundreds of deaths and missing people. Hundreds of federal troops have been sent to the state, leading to dozens of arrests as well as the confiscation of hundreds of firearms.

Since the conflict between the "Chapitos" and the "Mayiza" formally began on September 9, around to 200 deaths have been officially reported throughout the state, quickly making it one of the most dangerous in Mexico. Out of the 463 total murders reported in 2024, about 40% of them have happened since the turf wars began.