Jose “El Chabelo” Isabel, a notorious figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, was killed in a shootout with Mexican authorities on December 15, 2024. The incident took place in Manzanillo, a port city in the state of Colima, which is known for its high homicide rate.
The Cockfight Attack and Subsequent Chase
The violence ensued when Isabel and his colleagues attacked an underground cock fighting place known as Las Parotas in the Manzanillo. Casualties, two deaths were recorded among several injured people, when he and his cohorts managed to break out of the attacking scene into the waiting arm of national police from Mexico. Here, Isabel together with another accomplice sustained fatal shots.
Background: Jose Isabel “El Chabelo
Isabel was a prominent “plaza boss” in the Sinaloa Cartel in charge of the area. He already had warrants for homicide. He was known to resort to violence to maintain local control over routes and territories.
Colima: A state marred by violence.
Colima is one of the highest homicide rates in Mexico; 623 murders have been reported since January up to October of 2024. It translates to 105 killings per 100,000 residents, which is many times greater than the national average. The strategic position of this state as a drug trafficking hub explains its ongoing violence.
The role of the Sinaloa Cartel in global drug trade
One of the oldest and largest drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, the Sinaloa Cartel, was founded in the 1980s. The group deals in cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana and is reported to be working within the United States, Central America, and South America.
Leadership and Legacy of the Sinaloa Cartel
The cartel has been linked to corruption, money laundering, and extreme violence. Its most infamous leaders are Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzman, who is now serving a life sentence in the U.S., Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, and Juan Jose “El Azul” Esparragoza. Isabel’s death is a significant blow to the cartel’s local operations in Manzanillo.
Power Vacuum and Potential for Escalation
As has happened in many other places following the killing of a principal leader, a power play must definitely take place in the cartel. The resultant violence among factions vying to replace them can only mean more violent deaths in the region as well. In fact, elimination of high-ranking cartel people is usually followed by various factions fighting over control over these profitable routes and pieces of territory.
Lack of Information Regarding Victims
Authorities have confirmed the death of Isabel but have not made other information about the victims of the cockfight attack and the shoot-out available. The events and identities of the participants are still under investigation.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combating organized crime. The state of Colima, a key port for drug shipments, remains a hotspot for cartel activity. Isabel’s death highlights both the successes and ongoing struggles in Mexico’s fight against drug cartels.