Jesús González Peñuelas, known as “Chuy González”—a leader of the Guasave Cartel for whom the U.S. government had offered a $5 million reward—was laid to rest in a gold-plated coffin, in a style reminiscent of the crime boss “El Mencho.”
The luxurious casket served as the centerpiece for the funeral rites of the kingpin, who was killed during an operation carried out by the armed forces. The incident took place near the community of Alfredo V. Bonfil, within the municipality of Sinaloa, in the state of Sinaloa (yes, the state of Sinaloa contains a municipality also named Sinaloa).
According to an official report issued by the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR)—confirmed by the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch—naval personnel were conducting intelligence operations when they spotted several armed individuals traveling in a convoy of vehicles. Upon noticing the federal forces, two men exited a pickup truck and moved into the brush, opening fire on the naval personnel. The officers returned fire, neutralizing both men at the scene.
Following the skirmish, authorities seized four pickup trucks that had been reported stolen, along with three long guns, three magazines, and 46 rounds of live ammunition.
Family members who arrived at the prosecutor’s office identified the deceased as Jesús González Peñuelas and his alleged associate, Cesáreo Peñuelas Ruiz, known as “El Profe.” The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had designated González Peñuelas as a high-priority target for leading an international network involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, and fentanyl, destined for California, Texas, Colorado, and Washington. Federal reports identified him as the primary tactical operator for Fausto Isidro Meza Flores—alias “El Chapo Isidro”—and also noted his ties to the organization of Rafael Caro Quintero in the northern part of the country.
