Personnel from the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the National Guard apprehended José Luis Ojeda Aguirre, alias “El Wicho,” in the community of Villa Unión, located in the municipality of Mazatlán, Sinaloa. Ojeda Aguirre is identified as a financial and logistical operator for a criminal organization of drug traffickers and hitmen known as “Los Rugrats,” which is affiliated with the faction led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos—known as “El Mayito Flaco”—a prominent leader within the Sinaloa Cartel.
“El Wicho” has been flagged by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and, like the leader of “Los Rugrats,” is considered a fugitive from U.S. justice.
The Mexican government announced that Ojeda Aguirre is sought by authorities in the Central District of California to face trial on drug trafficking charges.
According to the Secretariat of National Defense, the arrest was the result of military intelligence operations. It was carried out by members of the National Guard’s Special Immediate Reaction Force (FERI) and the Mexican Army, in coordination with the Secretariat of Public Security of the State of Sinaloa.
“El Wicho” was caught in the act in the Villa Unión district. He is considered the financial and logistical operator for “Los Rugrats” and reportedly works under the direct orders of Carlos Alberto Paz Pereda, the leader of the organization, which operates in the states of Sinaloa and Durango.
Authorities seized weapons, drugs, cash, and a vehicle from Ojeda Aguirre. These items, along with the suspect, have been turned over to the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) in Mazatlán to facilitate further investigation, forensic analysis, and the determination of his legal status, the Secretariat of National Defense reported.
