El Nini Faces Charges Related to Fentanyl Trafficking and Violence
The United States Department of Justice announced on Saturday the extradition of Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel. Salas, also known as “El Nini,” is accused of playing a key role in the cartel’s operations and faces charges related to drug trafficking, firearms, and witness intimidation.
Leader of Security Detail for “El Chapo’s” Sons
Federal investigators allege that El Nini led a security group tasked with protecting the sons of incarcerated cartel leader Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. These sons, known as “Los Chapitos” or “The Little Chapos,” are believed to control a significant portion of the fentanyl smuggled into the United States. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for an estimated 70,000 overdose deaths annually in the US, is a major focus of law enforcement efforts.
Joint US-Mexico Operation Leads to Capture and Extradition
The Justice Department had previously announced charges against various cartel leaders in 2023. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offered a $3 million reward for information leading to El Nini’s capture. In November of that year, Mexican authorities apprehended El Nini at a fortified residence in Culiacan, Sinaloa. Following his capture, President Biden expressed gratitude to his Mexican counterpart, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, for facilitating the extradition.
Collaboration to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
President Biden emphasized the collaborative efforts between the US and Mexico in combating the fentanyl crisis. His statement highlighted the commitment of both nations to hold accountable those responsible for the production, trafficking, and sale of this deadly drug.
