Sinaloa Drug Cartel Members Apprehended at US Border

In an intensive operation, two dozen members of Mexico's most powerful narcotics ring, the Sinaloa Cartel, were arrested at the US-Mexico border on Friday.

The famed drug cartel was headed by feared drug kingpin, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman." Despite their leader's capture and recapture, analysts predict that the operations of the cocaine ring will live on, feeding addicts in the United States. Some of Mexico's most brutal murders have been linked to the infamous narcotics gang, including the Boca del Rio Massacre where 35 men were tortured and killed.

The cross border raid happened around Arizona's border, The Guardian said. According to US immigration and customs enforcement authorities, this latest arrest was a "strong blow" to the Sinaloa Cartel's reputation.

In a report with CNN, the operation was called Mexican Operation Diablo Express and mostly targeted the drug operation ring's most "high level" members, who were stationed in both the United States and Sonora.

According to US authorities, those who were arrested were resposible for transporting millions of dollars of illegal drugs to the United States, which included marijuana, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine.

The operation was done in complete secrecy with joint efforts from police in Lukeville and Sonoyta. The Mexican authorities were allowed in the United States to ensure the safety of the officers. Mexico found significant help from Washington for the operation as was the case with El Chapo's recapture. Both Mexico and the US have found a more harmonious relationhip in busting down drug cartels. 

Reuters reported that two were killed when the Sinaloa Cartel opened fire on the US and Mexican police. According to the federal police, 250 kilograms marijuana, as well as 15 assault rifles were seized.

Mexican drug gangs have been known to coerce migrants making their way across the border to smuggle small amounts of illegal drugs. Some are transported by way of underground tunnels or under the guise of cargo shipments making their way across the United States.

The recapture Mexico's most wanted fugitive, El Chapo, has become a cause of embarrassment for the Mexican government, particularly President Enrique Pena Nieto's efforts to maintain peace and order in the country.

Despite El Chapo being behind bars, the Sinaloa Cartel still continues operations, presumably under the command of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, El Chapo's business partner. The gang continues to fight for supremacy as other drug operation rings in Mexico vie for the top spot of power in the country.