An X (formerly Twitter) account sparked controversy by posting a previously unseen photo of Irving Froilán León Alvarado—known as “El 18″—alongside Adriana Meza Torres, Ovidio Guzmán’s wife, in an intimate setting inside a cabin. He is known for having served as a direct bodyguard for Ovidio Guzmán López (“El Ratón”), the son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán; Ovidio was arrested in Culiacán on January 5, 2023, and subsequently extradited to the United States.
Reports suggest he may have had a romantic relationship with Ovidio’s wife following the latter’s arrest; however, this remains unverified, as his closeness to the family meant he protected all members of “El Ratón’s” inner circle, including his wife and children.
Irving Froilán León Alvarado, alias “El 18,” is currently facing federal charges in the United States related to methamphetamine and firearms. The case identifies him as a former bodyguard for Ovidio Guzmán López and an alleged member of “Los Chapitos.” His case file has remained sealed since his initial court appearance on January 16, 2026, and it is not yet known whether he will go to trial or seek a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The indictment links him to drug trafficking operations dating back to 2015. That year, border authorities intercepted a shipment of 15 packages containing seven kilograms of methamphetamine at the Mexicali-Calexico crossing; the transporters identified a contact in Mexico known by the alias “ALKAEDA”—a name later linked to Irving León.
