The Sinaloa Cartel Is Imploding — And CJNG Is Ready to Take Over (Video)

In this 19 August 2026 published video, host Johnny Mitchell talks with Katarina Szulc who returns to The Connect after reporting on the ground in Sinaloa, where the cartel war has pushed Culiacán deeper into violence and uncertainty. The Sinaloa Cartel is deeply fractured by an internal civil war, but the rival Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) faces its own major instability following the death of its top leader.

In this episode, she breaks down what she witnessed firsthand, why the Chapitos are under enormous pressure, and how CJNG could emerge as one of the biggest winners if the Chapitos eventually collapse or surrender. With CJNG already providing manpower and resources to its Sinaloa allies, could the organization ultimately move in and absorb their territory? The arrest of co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in 2024 broke the cartel into warring factions: Los Chapitos (El Chapo’s sons) and La Mayiza (Zambada’s loyalists). Violent turf wars continue to destabilize Culiacán and other regions in northwestern Mexico. To survive, Los Chapitos have formed tactical, regional agreements with outside groups, including factions of the CJNG.

Mexican military forces killed long-time CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” during a raid in February 2026. U.S. and Mexican authorities point to his stepson, Juan Carlos Valencia González (alias “El 03″ or “El Pelón”), as a primary successor, but internal competition among commanders creates uncertainty. The U.S. Department of Justice and State Department launched major crackdowns and unsealed indictments against top CJNG leadership, offering large rewards to dismantle their financial and operational networks.

We also get into the escalating war inside the Sinaloa Cartel, the future of the remaining Chapitos, alleged cartel ties to Mexican politicians, the growing influence of CJNG, what daily life now looks like in Culiacán, forced recruitment, and Katarina’s disturbing investigation into human trafficking in Tijuana.

While the CJNG has tried to expand into territories left vulnerable by Sinaloa’s infighting, the death of “El Mencho” and intense international pressure mean a clean, undisputed takeover is far from guaranteed. Both dominant syndicates are currently fighting to adapt to leadership vacuums and aggressive government crackdowns.

This is an inside look at one of the most important power struggles happening in Mexico’s criminal underworld—and what could come next.

https://youtu.be/5BoHiN5XQJg

00:00 The Cartel’s Control Over Sinaloa
02:40 Senseless Murders and Public Fear
03:30 Governor Rocha’s Indictment
08:30 Challenges of Reporting in Sinaloa
13:30 Inside the Daily Murders
20:00 The War for Cartel Control
23:30 CJNG Alliance and Mencho’s Death
28:00 Cartel Convoys and Rural Danger
32:00 Humanizing Cartel Members
34:00 Victims and the New Generation
36:00 Cartel Economics and Recruitment
39:00 Chapitos’ Surrender Talks
44:00 Political Leverage and US Influence
50:00 Mazatlan’s Strategic Value
58:00 Human Trafficking Crisis