Ovidio Guzman Lopez Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Charges
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of the imprisoned former Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, has pleaded guilty to four drug trafficking charges in a US federal court. The case marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battles involving members of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful and violent drug organizations in the world.
Guzman Lopez, who is also known as “El Raton” (Spanish for “The Mouse”), admitted to two counts of drug conspiracy and two counts of knowingly engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. These charges are part of a broader effort by US authorities to dismantle transnational criminal networks that have long operated across borders.
According to prosecutors, Guzman Lopez and his three brothers—collectively referred to as “the Chapitos”—took over their father’s role as leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel after El Chapo’s arrest in 2016. El Chapo was later extradited to the United States and convicted in 2019, where he is currently serving a life sentence in a federal prison.
Guzman Lopez initially pleaded not guilty when he first appeared in court following his extradition to the US. However, he now admits to coordinating the transport of cocaine, cannabis, heroin, and fentanyl from Mexico into the United States, along with precursor chemicals used in drug production. He also pleaded guilty to money laundering and weapons charges as part of a plea deal.
As part of the agreement, Guzman Lopez agreed to forfeit $80 million (€68.4 million) in property and other assets. In exchange for his cooperation, he will receive a reduced sentence. However, no sentencing date has been set yet.
US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros emphasized the significance of the guilty plea, stating that it sends a clear message about the administration’s commitment to holding transnational criminal organizations accountable. “This historic guilty plea shows that we will shut down and hold responsible those at the top of these criminal enterprises,” he said.
The Rise and Fall of ‘Los Chapitos’
Guzman Lopez gained international attention when he was detained by Mexican authorities in October 2019. His capture led to a tense standoff between security forces and cartel members, which ended with his release. He was later captured again in January 2023 and extradited to the US.
His brother Joaquin was arrested in 2024 after arriving in the US on a private plane alongside Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel. Zambada, who had evaded capture for years, claimed he had been kidnapped by Joaquin Guzman Lopez. Both Zambada and Guzman Lopez are currently awaiting trial in the US.
These arrests have triggered a power struggle within the cartel, leading to widespread violence in the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa. More than 1,200 people have been killed, and approximately 1,400 others have gone missing in the region.
Other Sons of El Chapo Indicted
In addition to Ovidio Guzman Lopez, two other sons of El Chapo—Javier Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar—have also been indicted by US authorities on drug smuggling charges. However, they remain at large, posing a continued threat to law enforcement efforts.
The Sinaloa Cartel, once led by El Chapo, remains a dominant force in the global drug trade. Its influence spans multiple countries, and its operations continue to challenge both Mexican and US authorities. The ongoing legal actions against members of the Guzman family signal a determined effort to weaken the organization’s grip on the drug trade.
With each new arrest and conviction, the fight against organized crime becomes more complex. Yet, the recent developments in Guzman Lopez’s case highlight the growing pressure on high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel and the broader implications for international drug enforcement.
