NarcoWatch - 6 February 2026
Over the past week, Mexican authorities executed several high-impact arrests targeting the leadership of major cartels, including key operators for Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in Jalisco and Chiapas, the Nuevo Cártel de Juárez in Coahuila, and the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Chapitos faction [2][3][7][9]. A federal operation in Jalisco also dismantled a CJNG-linked corruption network, leading to the arrest of the mayor of Tequila and three of his officials for extortion [10][11]. Meanwhile, the historic Arellano Félix Cartel shows signs of resurgence in Tijuana under its legacy leadership, and inter-cartel warfare in Sinaloa has intensified with the use of weaponized drones [1][12].
Significant Incidents and Articles of Interest
Federal Operation Dismantles CJNG-Linked Government in Tequila – Tequila, Jalisco: In a major blow against narco-political corruption, federal forces arrested Diego Rivera Navarro, the mayor of Tequila, along with his directors of public security, public works, and property tax [10][11]. The arrests were part of "Operativo Enjambre," a national strategy to combat collusion between municipal governments and organized crime. Rivera Navarro, a member of the Morena party, is accused of leading a corruption network that extorted local tequila and beer companies, including a high-profile case against José Cuervo, and embezzled public funds for the CJNG. The investigation also highlighted the mayor's alleged use of the National Tequila Museum as his personal residence and his past glorification of CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho" [10]. The operation signals a significant federal effort to disrupt the CJNG's deep-rooted influence and financial lifelines in a critical economic region [11].
Arellano Félix Cartel Reorganizes Under Historical Leadership – Tijuana, Baja California: Intelligence reports indicate that Enedina Arellano Félix, "La Jefa," the historic financial architect of the Arellano Félix Cartel (CAF), has returned to Tijuana to rebuild the organization [1][14]. Now nearly 65, Enedina, who has never been prosecuted in Mexico or the U.S., is reportedly operating with her nephew, Fernando Sánchez Arellano, "El Ingeniero," who was released from prison in late 2023. The revitalized CAF is reportedly adopting a corporate structure, forming strategic alliances with groups like the CJNG, and leasing territory to smaller criminal cells. While "El Ingeniero" assumes a more aggressive operational profile, "La Jefa" is said to be supervising the cartel's business interests from a traditional Tijuana neighborhood [1]. This development suggests a strategic effort by the CAF to reclaim influence in its former stronghold by leveraging veteran leadership and adapting its business model [14].
Sinaloa Cartel Infighting Escalates with Drone Attack – Badiraguato, Sinaloa: The ongoing turf war in Sinaloa intensified with a drone attack on February 1 that destroyed "El Cielo," a ranch linked to the family of Aureliano Guzmán Loera, "El Guano," brother of "El Chapo" [12]. The attack, captured in videos circulated online, is attributed to the rival Guasave Cartel, led by Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, "El Chapo Isidro," and Óscar Manuel Gastélum, "El Músico" [13]. This incident is part of a pattern of escalating violence in the region that includes a previous drone strike on the home of the Guzmán family matriarch and has led to the displacement of over 500 residents from surrounding communities. The conflict underscores the growing use of drone technology for targeted strikes in inter-cartel warfare, further destabilizing the mountainous regions of Sinaloa [13].
US and Mexico Target Cartel Operations and Finances – Multiple Locations: The U.S. Department of Justice is increasing pressure on cartel financial networks, specifically targeting money brokers who launder drug profits using cryptocurrency [4][5]. Four alleged brokers—Eduardo Rigoberto Velasco Calderon, Eliomar Segura Torres, Manuel Ignacio Correa, and Cesar Linares-Orozco—were recently transferred from Mexico and face money laundering conspiracy charges in a Kentucky federal court. This strategy aims to disrupt cartel cash flow by focusing on financial choke points rather than just street-level traffickers. The transfers are part of a broader cooperation under the Trump administration, which has seen Mexico hand over more than 90 high-level defendants [4]. Concurrently, U.S. authorities announced the unsealing of an indictment against Ivan Valerio Sainz Salazar, "Mantecas," a major fentanyl producer for the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Chapitos faction, who was arrested in Mexico on January 19 [17].
Authorities Capture Key Leaders in Chiapas, Coahuila, and Sinaloa – Multiple States: Mexican federal and state forces conducted a series of successful operations targeting high-level cartel figures. In Chiapas, a joint operation of over 500 personnel captured "El Espíritu," the operational leader of the Cártel Chiapas y Guatemala (CCyG), a CJNG-affiliated group [3][16]. He is linked to extreme violence in the region, including the discovery of a human head in Tuxtla Gutiérrez. In Coahuila, forces arrested Ever José "El Águila," a commander for the Nuevo Cártel de Juárez who oversaw operations in 12 states and is linked to attacks on mining companies [2]. In Sinaloa, authorities detained Jesús Emir Bazoco Peraza, "Radio 13," a Los Chapitos operator responsible for communications and drone acquisition, for his role in the attempted assassination of two lawmakers [7]. These arrests represent significant blows to the command, control, and logistics of these DTOs.
DTO Activity and Tactics
DTO(s): Sinaloa Cartel (Los Chapitos, "El Guano" Faction, Los Mayos), Guasave Cartel, CJNG, Arellano Félix Cartel (CAF), Nuevo Cártel de Juárez (La Línea), Cártel Chiapas y Guatemala (CCyG).
New or Adapted Tactics:
Weaponized Drones: The Guasave Cartel is actively using drones with explosives for strategic attacks against the Sinaloa Cartel's "El Guano" faction in Badiraguato, destroying property [12], [13]. The Los Chapitos faction also acquires drones for operational use [7].
Cryptocurrency Money Laundering: Cartels, including CJNG and Sinaloa, are increasingly using cryptocurrency to launder drug profits from the U.S. to Mexico, prompting a targeted response from the U.S. Department of Justice [4], [5].
Corporate Restructuring and Alliances: The CAF is reorganizing under a modern corporate model, leasing territory to smaller cells and forming a strategic alliance with the CJNG to regain control of Tijuana [1].
Systemic Political Corruption: CJNG demonstrated deep infiltration of local government in Tequila, Jalisco, using the mayor's office to run a corruption network for extortion and embezzlement [10], [11].
Geographic Trends:
Sinaloa: Intense inter-cartel warfare persists. The conflict between "El Guano's" faction and the Guasave Cartel is concentrated in the Badiraguato mountains, causing civilian displacement [13]. The war between Los Chapitos and Los Mayos continues to generate violence in municipalities like Navolato [15].
Chihuahua: DTOs maintain fortified camps in remote areas for surveillance, such as one dismantled overlooking the Ojinaga highway [6]. The Nuevo Cártel de Juárez controls territory in the Sierra de Chihuahua and exerts influence into Sonora [2].
Chiapas: The CCyG (CJNG-linked) controls the strategic Ocozocoautla–Las Choapas highway, a key trafficking corridor connecting Chiapas to Veracruz [3].
Baja California: The Arellano Félix Cartel is attempting to re-establish its dominance in Tijuana [1].
Targeting Trends:
Political Figures: Los Chapitos targeted and severely wounded two Movimiento Ciudadano party lawmakers in Sinaloa [7].
Key Industries: The Nuevo Cártel de Juárez has been linked to attacks on mining companies across Chihuahua, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, and Guanajuato [2]. In Jalisco, a CJNG-backed municipal government systematically extorted the tequila industry [10][11].
Rival Cartel Leadership and Assets: The Guasave Cartel is conducting direct, destructive attacks on property linked to the family of rival leader "El Guano" [12].
Indicators to Watch
Increased discovery of weaponized drones or drone components in Sinaloa and other conflict zones, indicating wider adoption of this tactic in cartel warfare.
Evidence of political instability or anti-corruption investigations in other Jalisco municipalities, suggesting the federal "Operativo Enjambre" may be expanding its scope beyond Tequila.
Changes in CAF activity or branding in Tijuana, which could confirm the successful reassertion of control by Enedina Arellano Félix and "El Ingeniero."
Potential for retaliatory attacks by the CJNG, Nuevo Cártel de Juárez, or CCyG following the recent arrests of key leaders in Jalisco, Coahuila, and Chiapas.
An uptick in U.S. indictments against individuals involved in crypto-based money laundering schemes as the DOJ deepens its focus on dismantling these financial networks.
Possible escalation of conflict in Colombia as the Gulf Clan reacts to the new U.S.-Colombia joint military and intelligence actions targeting its leadership.
