By Trend News Line 2024-05-26 00:18:52.
The Capture and Extradition of Drug Cartel Leader “El Nini”
In a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, Mexican authorities have arrested and extradited Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as “El Nini,” a top assassin for the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed that Pérez Salas has been brought to the United States to face charges related to drug trafficking, gun offenses, and witness retaliation.
Allegations Against El Nini
Pérez Salas is believed to be a key leader and commander of a group responsible for providing security to the sons of the imprisoned drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Additionally, he is accused of aiding the sons in their drug business activities, particularly in the export of fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid responsible for tens of thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. annually.
Significance of the Extradition
The extradition of Pérez Salas comes as part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to dismantle the operations of the Sinaloa cartel and its affiliates. The U.S. Attorney General, Merrick Garland, highlighted the role of Pérez Salas as one of the cartel’s lead assassins, responsible for carrying out acts of violence, including murder, torture, and kidnapping, to protect the cartel’s criminal activities.
International Cooperation
President Joe Biden expressed gratitude to Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador for his government’s cooperation in the extradition process. Both leaders emphasized the importance of joint efforts to combat the scourge of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs that are claiming lives in both countries.
The Violent Nature of El Nini
Described as a “complete psychopath” by former DEA official Mike Vigil, Pérez Salas led a security team known as the Ninis, notorious for their brutal tactics. The Ninis received specialized training in combat techniques, including urban warfare, special weapons, and sniper proficiency.
Gruesome Acts of Violence
According to authorities, Pérez Salas and his associates were involved in heinous acts of violence, including the torture of a Mexican federal agent in 2017. The Ninis were known to carry out executions of rivals on ranches owned by the Chapitos, where victims were sometimes fed to tigers kept as pets by the cartel leaders.
Continued Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
The extradition of Pérez Salas marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and violence associated with criminal organizations like the Sinaloa cartel. The U.S. government, in collaboration with its international partners, remains committed to bringing perpetrators of drug-related crimes to justice and protecting communities from the devastating impact of illegal narcotics..
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