The name of René Arzate García, alias “La Rana” (The Frog), is now among the top priorities of US authorities, who have filed new narcoterrorism charges against him and are offering a reward of up to five million dollars for information leading to his arrest.
However, although he is one of the Sinaloa Cartel’s most wanted operatives, few knew of René Arzate’s close relationship with Valeria Rubí Quiroz, “La Gringuita” (The Little Gringa), one of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s ex-girlfriends.
Quiroz’s testimony, broadcast on Gusgri’s podcast in March 2024, reveals some details of her brief relationship with the drug lord, who is now fueling the violence in Tijuana.
According to Valeria Rubí Quiroz’s account, her relationship with René Arzate began in Culiacán, Sinaloa, when she was 18 years old, after her relationship with “El Chapo.” Their first encounter was at a sushi restaurant, where she was captivated by the man she describes as tall, attentive, and thoughtful. From that moment on, they maintained a brief but intense relationship, marked by loving gestures and romantic gestures.
Quiroz recounts that René Arzate pampered her by sending her flowers every month during her pregnancy, plush frogs—named after Arzate’s nickname—and always fulfilling her cravings. “He always made me feel special,” she affirmed. They decided to seal their bond by getting frog tattoos, although she later had it removed due to pressure from a subsequent partner.
