Chicago/ Politics & Govt
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Published on November 08, 2024
Alleged Sinaloa Cartel High-Ranker Canobbio Inzunza Charged With Drug Conspiracy in Chicago CourtSource: Administrative Office of the United States Courts, District of Illinois

Following a federal grand jury indictment in Chicago, high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel member Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza is facing charges of drug conspiracy related to the manufacturing of illegal substances such as cocaine and fentanyl in Mexico, for import into the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice stated that Canobbio Inzunza was allegedly a key player in the drug operations of the Sinaloa Cartel faction led by the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin Guzman Loera, known as the "Chapitos". Canobbio Inzunza, 44, who has yet to be apprehended, could face life in federal prison if convicted on the charge.

The indictment, which was returned Monday in the Northern District of Illinois, outlines Canobbio Inzunza’s roles as an advisor, lieutenant, and security chief for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar. Apart from conspiring to produce and smuggle drugs, he also allegedly financed and led an armed group, Los Chimales, to aid in protecting and facilitating the cartel's operations. The "Chapitos" themselves had faced charges in other U.S. indictments last year.

This legal action is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation, leveraging a multi-agency approach to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Noted by the Department of Justice is that an indictment is merely an accusation, and the accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The public is also reminded that proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt requires that the government meets a substantial threshold of evidence in a fair trial.

Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Morris Pasqual, along with officials from several other jurisdictions and departments, announced the indictment. The U.S. government's case is being presented by a team of prosecutors and trial attorneys, including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Erskine and Michelle Parthum of the Northern District of Illinois, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Sutton of the Southern District of California, and Trial Attorney Kirk Handrich of the Justice Department's Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Section.