U.S.-Wanted Fentanyl Kingpin Killed in Mexican Military Operation

A major figure in the drug trafficking world, wanted by U.S. authorities, was killed on Sunday during a Mexican military operation. Pedro Inzunza Coronel, known as “Pichon,” died while authorities were conducting an anti-drug operation in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. The operation was confirmed by Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico’s security secretary, who reported that Coronel was killed after attacking naval personnel during the raid.

In May 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Coronel and his father, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, with serious offenses including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering. They were identified as leaders of a faction linked to the now-defunct Beltran Leyva Organization, which has been associated with the Sinaloa cartel, notorious for its violent operations. The U.S. government alleges that the pair trafficked tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl into the United States, with more than 1.65 tons of fentanyl seized from their operations—marking the largest seizure of fentanyl globally.

The U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Ronald Johnson, highlighted the gravity of Coronel’s alleged crimes, which included murders, kidnappings, and torture related to drug trafficking. He stated on social media, “These results reflect what our nations can achieve when they work together against those who pose a threat to our citizens.”

The incident comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocal about the need for Mexico to intensify its efforts against drug trafficking. He has threatened tariffs on Mexican exports if progress is not made. In response to U.S. pressure, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum assured that there would be “no invasion of Mexico,” following reports that Trump had ordered military action against Latin American drug cartels.

In August 2023, Mexico took significant steps in collaboration with the U.S. by extraditing 26 high-ranking cartel figures, including Abigael González Valencia, a leader of the “Los Cuinis” cartel, which is closely aligned with the infamous Jalisco New Generation (CJNG). Another notable extradition involved Roberto Salazar, who was wanted for his involvement in the 2008 murder of a Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy.

The killing of Pedro Inzunza Coronel marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico. As both nations continue to navigate their complex relationship concerning drug enforcement, the implications of this operation could resonate across international borders.