Claudia Sheinbaum promises to pacify Sinaloa, one year after the capture of "El Mayo."

On Thursday morning, marking the first anniversary of the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada in the United States, President Claudia Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to peace in the state of Sinaloa, one of the states historically hardest hit by organized crime.

During her traditional morning press conference, Sheinbaum was clear and emphatic: "We are working and we are going to pacify Sinaloa, that's what it will be like."

The arrest of one of the Sinaloa Cartel's most iconic leaders marked a turning point in the history of drug trafficking in Mexico. Although his capture was celebrated as a bilateral achievement between Mexico and the United States, the cartel's fragmentation has led to a violent restructuring in various areas of the state.

Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the complexity of the situation, but asserted that her strategy is working: “We work every day. When there is honesty, strategy, and hard work, there are results, in Sinaloa and throughout the country.”

The president did not miss an opportunity to emphasize the shared responsibility in combating drug trafficking. She emphasized the ongoing collaboration with U.S. agencies, especially in the fight against arms trafficking, although she offered a pointed criticism of the consumption pattern in the neighboring country.

“They must also address the root causes of drug use. We have always argued that we must act on the other side of the problem,” Sheinbaum said, urging the United States to adopt a more rigorous approach to addiction and the domestic illegal market.

Since the beginning of her administration, Sheinbaum has insisted on a Zero Impunity policy, which involves attacking not only criminal leaders but also dismantling the economic and operational networks of criminal groups. She asserts that the key lies in institutional perseverance and collaborative work between federal, state, and international forces.

"I'm convinced we're doing the right thing, we're doing it right, homicides are decreasing, and we're going to decrease all crimes," she said firmly.

Security experts point out that the true test of Sheinbaum's strategy will be how the state handles the power vacuum left by the arrest of figures like "El Mayo." Without effective territorial control and deep social investment, internal conflicts could intensify.

Therefore, the president has insisted that peace is not built solely through operations, but also by addressing the causes that generate violence, such as inequality, youth unemployment, and lack of opportunities.

Sinaloa, the birthplace of major drug lords, has historically been one of the most difficult states to control. However, the current government claims to have a comprehensive, long-term plan that goes beyond spectacular arrests.

Sheinbaum, leading an administration that has promised to transform public security without militarizing the country, sends a clear message: pacification is possible, but it requires perseverance, intelligence, and political will.