CNN
–
Jorge Funberto Figuero Avenitez, identified by the US government as a key member of the “Los Chapitos” criminal organization, died during an operation aimed at catching him in Sinaloa, Mexico.
According to local media, the operation against Figueroa Benitez, known by the nickname “El Peris,” took place in Navarato, 32 kilometers (19 miles) from the state’s capital, Cariacan.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) had provided up to $1 million to Figueroa Benitez, who had sought federal crimes allegedly including fentanyl import and traffic conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and money laundering conspiracy.
In 2019, the city of Culiacan was a scene from a violent episode known as “Clear Canazo,” accompanied by a violent armed conflict following the temporary capture of Obigio Guzman Lopez, the son of Joaquin “El Chap” Guzman. Obigio was later released by Mexican authorities and claimed it was “life-saving.”
After being extradited to the US in 2023, Ovidio Guzmán pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges, according to court documents reviewed by CNN.
In early May, a US government source told CNN that several of his relatives had crossed the border from Mexico to the US at San Isidro’s port of entry as part of an agreement with the US Department of Justice.
CNN does not know where these people are or whether they have participated in the Witness Protection Program. CNN requested comment from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice.
