Pilot suspected of working for Mexican drug cartel arrested

Safety forces in Mexico have arrested a pilot they believe of working for Los Chapitos, the Mexican cartel run by sons of the jailed drug lord Joaquín ‘”El Chapo” Guzmán.

The pilot, identified by the alias of “El Jando”, was detained within the northern metropolis of Culiacán, the stronghold of Los Chapitos, in an operation by which one soldier was shot lifeless.

Mexican intelligence sources allege he’s a key determine in Los Chapitos and that he performed a job within the sting operation which led to the arrest of one other cartel kingpin “El Mayo Zambada” within the US.

The pilot’s legal professionals have requested the courts for extra time to arrange his defence.

Whereas “El Jando” was detained within the early hours of Saturday, detailed details about the costs levelled towards him have solely change into public in current days.

Mexico’s safety minister advised reporters at a information convention on Tuesday that he may verify “El Jando” was the trusted pilot of the chief of “Los Chapitos”.

Prosecutors allege that in addition to being an completed pilot, he was additionally concerned in drug and arms trafficking and in a number of explosive assaults on the safety forces.

Most significantly although, Mexican intelligence providers at the moment are hoping to realize info from “El Jando” in regards to the mysterious flight which delivered wished drug kingpin “El Mayo” into the fingers of US federal brokers.

US officers have mentioned that “El Mayo” was betrayed by none apart from Joaquín Guzmán López, one of many sons of the notorious “El Chapo” Guzmán.

The officers allege that Guzmán López tricked the 75-year-old “El Mayo” – who had been a detailed ally of his father – into boarding a airplane with him which then crossed the border into the US.

Photographs launched by US legislation enforcement confirmed the 2 males being arrested at a non-public airport close to El Paso, Texas, by US brokers who had clearly been ready for them on the airport’s tarmac for his or her arrival.

These loyal to “El Mayo” suppose that Joaquín Guzmán López delivered the cartel chief, who had evaded seize for 3 many years, to the US as a part of a deal to barter a lesser sentence for himself.

The lawyer for “El Mayo” denied that his shopper had been “duped”, however mentioned that he had been compelled onto the airplane by Joaquín Guzmán López.

“He was ambushed, thrown to the bottom, and handcuffed … he was then thrown into the again of a pickup truck and brought to a touchdown strip; there, he was compelled onto a airplane, his legs tied to the seat by Joaquín, and dropped at the US towards his will,” the lawyer advised the LA Instances newspaper.

The lawyer additionally mentioned that the one individuals on board the airplane had been “the pilot, Joaquín and my shopper”.

Whereas it isn’t but clear whether or not “El Jando” – the pilot arrested this weekend – was the one who flew the airplane or whether or not he helped to plan the operation, Mexican prosecutors appeared assured he may present them with details about the flight which ended within the arrest of each Guzmán López and “El Mayo”.

“El Mayo” has since pleaded not responsible in a US court docket to an extended listing of drug-related fees whereas legal professionals for Joaquín Guzmán López have mentioned that their shopper is in plea negotiations.

The alleged betrayal of “El Mayo” by Guzmán López has led to a cut up of their cartel with followers of the previous, generally known as “Los Mayos” or “La Mayiza”, attacking these loyal to the latter.