Treasury Department officials have dramatically increased efforts to capture two remaining sons of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The hunt intensifies as authorities seek to dismantle what they describe as a hyperviolent faction of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
According to Daily Mail, the Treasury Department is offering $10 million per fugitive for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Archivaldo Ivan Guzman Salazar and Jesus Alfredo Guzman Salazar, both believed to be hiding in Mexico.
The brothers lead the "Los Chapitos" faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, which officials say is responsible for fentanyl production and trafficking into the United States. The dramatic escalation in reward money underscores the Biden administration's determination to combat the fentanyl crisis that continues to claim thousands of American lives annually.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the dangerous nature of the organization in his statement about the rewards. "Los Chapitos is a powerful, hyperviolent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel at the forefront of fentanyl trafficking into the United States," Bessent declared.
The Treasury Department has also imposed sanctions on the brothers, their faction, and a network of associates and businesses based in Mazatlan, Mexico. These entities are accused of engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering operations that facilitate the cartel's criminal enterprise.
Officials are deploying "all available tools" in their arsenal to combat the fentanyl crisis and save lives. The rewards and sanctions represent a comprehensive approach to dismantling the organization's financial infrastructure while simultaneously hunting its leadership.
The fugitive brothers represent only half of El Chapo's sons, who have been targeted by American authorities. Two other sons, Joaquin Guzman Lopez and Ovidio Guzman Lopez, are already in custody in the United States, facing serious charges.
Federal prosecutors announced in May that they would not seek the death penalty for Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who faces multiple charges in Chicago. His arrest came under unusual circumstances in July when he and longtime Sinaloa leader Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada landed on a private plane in Texas.
Ovidio Guzman Lopez, who was arrested in Mexico in 2023 and subsequently extradited to the United States, is expected to plead guilty to drug trafficking charges at a court hearing scheduled for July 9. Court records indicate he had originally pleaded not guilty to fentanyl trafficking charges after his extradition.
In a surprising development last month, El Chapo's ex-wife and 16 other family members presented themselves to border agents and crossed into the United States. Video footage captured the family walking across the border from Tijuana with their suitcases to waiting US agents.
The family's decision to enter the US comes at a time of increased pressure on cartel operations. Their arrival raises questions about whether they might be cooperating with authorities or simply seeking safety amid escalating violence and law enforcement actions.
Their patriarch, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, continues to serve a life sentence at a maximum security prison in Colorado following his 2019 drug trafficking conviction. The once-powerful drug lord, who twice escaped from Mexican prisons, now spends his days in one of America's most secure facilities.
The massive bounties for the Guzman brothers highlight the ongoing challenge posed by Mexican cartels despite significant law enforcement victories. American authorities view the disruption of the Sinaloa Cartel's leadership as crucial to stemming the flow of deadly drugs.
The search for Archivaldo Ivan and Jesus Alfredo comes amid broader efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations. Authorities hope the substantial reward money will incentivize those with information to come forward despite the dangers of betraying such violent organizations.
With two sons in custody and two still at large, the legacy of El Chapo continues to impact US-Mexico relations and drug enforcement policies. The Treasury Department's decisive action signals that dismantling the Sinaloa Cartel remains a top priority for American authorities.
