Cuando ‘El Mini Lic’ reveló cómo fue el secuestro de ‘Los Chapitos’ – El Financiero
From Cartel Insider to Key Witness: The Rise and Fall of ‘El Mini Lic’
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Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” has gone from trusted lieutenant of the Sinaloa Cartel to its most valuable informant, even admitting he once considered eliminating “Los Chapitos,” the sons of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Now detained by the FBI in Virginia, López Serrano, the former cartel member and nephew of Guzmán Loera, recently revealed the origins of his conflict with ”Los Chapitos” and the tensions that erupted after the kingpin’s arrest.
In a 2023 interview with Vice, while still under witness protection, López Serrano described how the Sinaloa Cartel remained unified in 2016, encompassing his father, Dámaso López Núñez, “El Licenciado,” and Guzmán Loera’s four sons: Joaquín, Alfredo, Ovidio, and Iván.
Tho, everything changed following ”El chapo’s” extradition to the united States. In a letter, the imprisoned kingpin ordered the cartel to be split in two: one faction for his sons and the other for “El Mini Lic” and his father. According to López Serrano, “El Chapo” designated “El Licenciado” as the leader of the association.
“Los Chapitos,” dissatisfied with this decision, launched a series of attacks aimed at eliminating their rivals and seizing control of the cartel.
“My father didn’t want to fight, but they started killing our men,” López Serrano recounted. “Every time we confronted them, they denied it or claimed it was a mistake. Until they killed ‘El Pantera,’ my head of security.”
He was referring to Esteban Mendoza, assassinated in la Paz, Baja California in 2014.

López Serrano’s testimony has become crucial in the ongoing legal battles against the Sinaloa Cartel, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. His story highlights the brutal power struggles and betrayals that plague the drug trade, even within families.
‘El Mini Lic’ Reveals Inside Story of ‘Chapitos’ Kidnapping
A shocking account from a former Sinaloa Cartel leader sheds new light on the 2016 kidnapping of Joaquín “El chapo” guzmán’s sons.

The restaurant ‘La Leche’ in Jalisco,Mexico,where the kidnapping took place.
In August 2016, Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, the eldest son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, planned a birthday celebration at the upscale restaurant “La Leche” in Jalisco. His brother, Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, was also present, eagerly awaiting the arrival of more guests. Suddenly, their celebration turned into a nightmare as a heavily armed group stormed the restaurant, abducting the brothers in a brazen kidnapping.
now, former Sinaloa Cartel leader Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” has provided a chilling firsthand account of the events, revealing a complex web of motives and players behind the audacious crime.
In an exclusive interview, López Serrano denied orchestrating the kidnapping, but admitted to knowing those who did. He claimed to have been contacted through a WhatsApp group by individuals from various criminal organizations,including the Gulf Cartel,groups from Mexico City and Guerrero,and even individuals from Canada.
“They were fed up with ‘Los Chapitos’ and what they were doing in Sinaloa,” López Serrano explained. “They asked me to investigate if Iván was going to celebrate in Vallarta. I did, and after that, I didn’t know anything else.”
He further revealed that the group included members of his own faction, who, he admitted, “started discussing the possibility of getting rid of them.”
“If it were up to me, Los Chapitos wouldn’t exist anymore,” López Serrano declared, hinting at the deep-seated animosity towards el Chapo’s sons within the cartel.
The kidnapping, which lasted only a few hours, sent shockwaves through Mexico and highlighted the brutal power struggles within the Sinaloa Cartel following El Chapo’s arrest.While the motive behind the kidnapping remains shrouded in secrecy, López Serrano’s revelations offer a glimpse into the complex and frequently enough violent world of Mexican drug cartels.
‘El Chapo’ Orchestrated Son-for-Son Swap with Rival Cartel, Former Aide Claims
A former close associate of notorious drug lord Joaquín “el Chapo” Guzmán has revealed shocking details about a chilling prisoner exchange orchestrated by Guzmán with a rival cartel.
In a recent interview, Dámaso López Serrano, who once served as a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, alleged that Guzmán personally negotiated a deal with Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), known as “El mencho.”
According to López Serrano, Guzmán issued an ultimatum: “If you give me my sons, I’ll give you yours.”
López Serrano emphasized that the exchange was not motivated by money or intimidation. “They were taken to be killed. That was the plan,” he stated, adding, “They are alive because of their father.”
The revelation sheds light on the brutal power struggles and complex alliances within Mexico’s drug underworld. It also raises questions about the extent of Guzmán’s influence even after his extradition to the United States and subsequent life sentence.
[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRvlrAcG_vA]
From Cartel Enforcer to Key witness:
An Exclusive Interview with “El Mini Lic”
NewsDirectery3.com:
The Sinaloa Cartel, infamous for its sprawling influence and ruthless tactics, has become even more fascinating after the highly publicized arrest, extradition, and subsequent sentencing of its leader, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Today,we delve deeper into the cartelS tumultuous inner workings through the unique lens of Dámaso López Serrano,known as ”El mini Lic.” Once a trusted lieutenant of the organization,he now finds himself a key witness for the US government,providing invaluable insights into the cartel’s power struggles and brutal realities.
NewsDirectery3.com: Joining us today is [Name of Specialist], an expert in organized crime and Mexican drug trafficking.[Specialist], thank you for joining us.
Specialist:
It’s a pleasure to be here. “El Mini Lic”’s story is truly gripping, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a notoriously secretive organization.
NewsDirectery3.com: Absolutely.Dámaso López Serrano’s testimony paints a picture of simmering tension within the Sinaloa Cartel even before “El Chapo’s” extradition.Could you elaborate on the power dynamics at play and how they shifted after his arrest?
Specialist: Herrera’s account, given under witness protection, reveals a fascinating power struggle. Initially, the cartel seemed united under “El Chapo” and his close associates, including Dámaso López Núñez, “El Licenciado,” and his son, “El Mini Lic.” However, “El Chapo’s” decision to split the organization following his extradition ignited a bloody conflict.
The sons, referred to as “Los Chapitos”, were openly dissatisfied with the arrangement, leading to a series of attacks targeting “El Licenciado” and “El Mini Lic.”
NewsDirectery3.com: “El Mini Lic” mentioned the assassination of Esteban Mendoza, “El Pantera,” his head of security. How did this event contribute to the escalation of violence within the cartel?
Specialist:
Mendoza’s assassination was a turning point.It marked a clear departure from the initial restraint practiced by “El Licenciado.”
It signaled to ”El Mini Lic” and his faction that the “Chapitos” were resolute to eliminate their rivals and seize complete control.
NewsDirectery3.com: López serrano’s testimony is crucial in the legal battle against the Sinaloa Cartel. What specific insights can his story offer authorities in dismantling this powerful organization?
Specialist:
His testimony unveils the inner workings of the cartel, revealing interaction channels, hierarchies, and even financial operations.
It sheds light on the tactics employed by ”Los Chapitos,” the internal power struggles, and potential weaknesses that authorities can exploit.
This information is invaluable for targeted investigations, operations, and ultimately, dismantling the cartel from within.
NewsDirectery3.com:
“El Mini Lic”’s story highlights the complex and perilous world of organized crime.
It reminds us of the constant struggle against these powerful networks and the importance of individuals like him who choose to break the silence and aid in bringing them to justice.
Thank you for sharing your insights, [specialist].
