Who is “El 40”? The leader of Los Chapitos in Mazatlán under US scrutiny

Víctor Manuel Barraza Pablos, alias “El 40,” was sanctioned on Monday, June 9, by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which identified him as the plaza leader of Los Chapitos in Mazatlán, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera.

The measure was announced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as part of its strategy to curb fentanyl trafficking and the structures that finance it.

The designation of El 40 comes within a series of sanctions imposed under Executive Orders E.O. 14059, aimed at combating the proliferation of illicit drugs, and E.O. 13224, focused on combating terrorism and its support networks. According to According to the Treasury, the Mazatlán cell under his command is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, murders, kidnappings, extortion, and money laundering operations.

“El 40” was born on July 17, 1990, in the municipality of Culiacán, Sinaloa, according to documents leaked by the Guacamaya collective. Various sources identify him as the son of Víctor Manuel Barraza Rivera, alias “El Canas,” a historic figure in the region’s drug trade, who reportedly died on October 16, 2023. Images of his death circulated on social media with candles bearing his name.

Although part of his criminal career is unclear, some reports suggest he may have military training, which would explain his rise to operational command within one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s strategic strongholds.

On the other hand, although “El 40” is often referred to by the alias “El Titán,” the latter nickname actually belongs to a figure named Luis Ángel Castañeda, who was allegedly in charge of his security.