Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés, the former head of the Investigation Police (PDI) for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office, surrendered to United States authorities last Thursday. The surrender comes amid serious allegations involving his purported connections to the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically the “Los Chapitos” faction.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Almanza Avilés was allegedly a key figure in a corruption scheme that allowed the cartel to operate with impunity. The indictment claims he received monthly bribes of approximately 300,000 pesos from the faction.
Allegations of Systematic Corruption
The accusations paint a picture of a high-ranking official using his position to facilitate organized crime. Authorities allege that Almanza Avilés allowed “Los Chapitos” to conduct drug trafficking activities freely throughout Sinaloa.
Specifically, he is accused of facilitating the passage of chemical substances used in the production of fentanyl through Culiacán without any police interference. This enabled the movement of critical components for drug manufacturing across the region.
Beyond logistics, the former official allegedly manipulated the legal system to benefit the cartel. This included issuing arrest warrants against enemies of “Los Chapitos” at their request and ordering the release of cartel members who had previously been detained.
The corruption also extended to economic sabotage of rival groups. Until 2020, Almanza Avilés reportedly collected “fees” from methamphetamine laboratories operated by traffickers unaffiliated with “Los Chapitos,” a move intended to increase costs for his rivals while securing personal profit.
Investigators believe this arrangement was established during a meeting in either 2017 or 2018 at one of the ranches owned by Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar in Sinaloa.
Legal Consequences and Charges
Almanza Avilés faces a heavy legal burden in the United States. He is charged with conspiracy to import narcotics—including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine—as well as possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices related to drug trafficking.
As a consequence of these alleged crimes, the former official is subject to the seizure of all assets and gains derived from his illicit activities.
Future Outlook
The surrender of such a prominent former official may lead to more significant legal proceedings in the U.S. Court system. His testimony and the evidence gathered could potentially provide investigators with further insights into the operational structures of the “Los Chapitos” faction.
this case may influence how international authorities approach the investigation of high-ranking security officials suspected of cartel ties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charges is Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés facing?
He faces charges of conspiracy to import narcotics (fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine) and the possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
How much was the former official allegedly being paid in bribes?
The U.S. Department of Justice indicates he received monthly bribes of approximately 300,000 pesos.
What role did Almanza Avilés allegedly play in the fentanyl trade?
He is accused of facilitating the passage of chemical substances used to produce fentanyl through Culiacán without police interference.
How does the alleged corruption of high-ranking officials impact public trust in regional security institutions?
