Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, identified by the United States government as a prominent figure within the criminal group “Los Chapitos,” was killed during a law enforcement operation targeting his capture in Sinaloa, Mexico, announced Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, on Saturday.
The operation took place in Navolato, approximately 32 kilometers (19 miles) from Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa, according to local media reports.
Figueroa Benítez, also known by the alias “El Perris,” had been a key target for authorities.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration had offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest.
He faced federal charges including conspiracy to import and traffic fentanyl, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to launder money.
This development recalls the 2019 “Culiacanazo,” a violent incident in Culiacán triggered by the brief detention of Ovidio Guzmán Lopez, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Mexican authorities released Ovidio to “save lives” after intense armed clashes erupted.
Since his extradition to the United States in 2023, Ovidio Guzmán initially pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering charges.
However, court documents reviewed by CNN suggest he may soon change his plea.
Earlier in May, a U.S. government source informed CNN that several relatives of Ovidio Guzmán crossed into the U.S. at the San Ysidro port of entry, allegedly as part of a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice.
CNN has not been able to confirm the current status or whereabouts of these individuals or if they have entered a witness protection program.
Requests for comment have been made to U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice.
