Mexican authorities have arrested a suspected senior member of the Sinaloa cartel who is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges, according to government sources.
The suspect, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, was indicted by US authorities in May for allegedly trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin into the United States. He was identified as the second-in-command of the Beltran Leyva Organization, a cartel faction believed to be largely defunct.
Sources confirmed that Inzunza Noriega was taken into custody in Mexico’s northwestern Sinaloa State. The US indictment marked the first time an alleged figure linked to the Sinaloa cartel was charged with narco-terrorism and providing material support to terrorism, according to the US Department of Justice.
At the time, US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the Sinaloa cartel as a “complex and dangerous terrorist organisation,” stressing that dismantling it requires a strong and innovative legal approach.
“Their days of brutalising the American people without consequences are over. We will seek life imprisonment for these terrorists,” Bondi said.
Since returning to office last year, US President Donald Trump has pledged to intensify efforts against drug trafficking. His administration has carried out operations against suspected drug smuggling vessels in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean, reportedly resulting in over 100 deaths.
Trump has also urged Mexico to strengthen its anti-drug campaign, warning that tariffs could be imposed on Mexican exports if decisive action is not taken.
Meanwhile, Noriega’s son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel—who was also charged by US authorities—was killed by Mexican military forces during an anti-drug operation in November.
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