In a previous post, you admitted you know little to nothing about Cartels. I thought you might be interested.
I have a friend, well former co-worker, more of a strong aquaintance as we could have lunch togther is we knew we'd be in the same place, but we don't get together.
Anyway, he is a data engineer, former DBA when I worked with him. He works 100% remote which has afforded him and his wife (no kids) to travel and live abroad. Mostly Mexico. His "hobby" is now investigative journalism. He is focusing on the cartels in Mexico. Here are clips from his latest FB post:
There is a picture of him standing in front of a truck with seven masked and armed, with military rifles, no doubt fully automatic, men dressed in military garb (camo, flack vests, bandanas covering their faces).love being a Data Engineer—it gives me the flexibility to pursue my true passion: investigative journalism. Over the past two decades, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming a subject matter expert on Mexican drug cartels, with a particular focus on the Sinaloa Cartel (CDS) and Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Last week, I traveled alone to Culiacán, Sinaloa, to interview senior leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel/Los Chapitos. This photo was taken during that meeting.
Traveling to get here, I switched cars five times, flew on two different Cessenas. On my last flight, I was given beer. As I sipped in the cockpit, I glazed into the mountains. We utilized hidden dirt runways where I was quickly ushered to a vehicle.
I will share the published article here if you're interested in reading it. I write for a general audience, no prior knowledge of cartels is required.
My little hobby is turning into something far bigger than I ever imagined. It’s been an exciting morning for Cartel Insider—Rolling Stone Magazine reached out to me through a journalist, recognizing me as the expert on the Sinaloa Cartel’s Los Chapitos faction.
For those unfamiliar, the Sinaloa Cartel fractured after El Mayo Zambada was kidnapped. One faction is Los Chapitos—also known as Chapiza, the loyalists of El Chapo’s sons. Their supporters often use theemoji as a symbol of allegiance. The opposing faction is led by El Mayo’s son, known as Mayito Flaco. His faction is referred to as Mayiza, and they’ve adopted the
emoji to represent their side.
Anyway, Rolling Stone is interviewing me tomorrow evening. How crazy is that? If I haven’t mentioned it already, they brought in a translator for me.
emoji as a symbol of allegiance. The opposing faction is led by El Mayo’s son, known as Mayito Flaco. His faction is referred to as Mayiza, and they’ve adopted the 
emoji to represent their side.On second thought, I don't think I would have lunch with him. I don't want to be near any potential fire fight should he somehow get on the wrong side of a cartel.I left out a crucial detail. The factions at war are second-generation narcos, raised in the game and now pushing its violence to new extremes. Both leaders—now in their early 40s—own homes and ranches in Culiacán, Sinaloa, but their real battleground is the plaza. Mayiza is fighting to seize control, and neither side is holding back. They aren’t just killing; they’re staging elaborate tortures and interrogations, broadcasting their brutality on video like a macabre calling card. And this is where I am—right in the middle of a war zone. The faction I interviewed told me where to stay, and I changed my reservations.
I am going to stop for the day and change my focus. I posted today as audience research to get feedback on the topic. I will update here if anything significant occurs. Thanks!!!
