By Ricardo Lezama 
On September 21, 2024, a military operation in Culiacán, Sinaloa, intended to apprehend Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, known by his aliases “La Perris” or “El 27”, ended in chaos and violence. Figueroa is reputed to be the head of security for Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The operation took place in the residential area of Tres Ríos and escalated into a firefight between soldiers and armed assailants.
Arrest Attempt Leads To Civilian Deaths
During the confrontation, approximately ten fatalities were reported, including the death of Juan Carlos Sánchez Palacios, a 34-year-old man, as gunfire erupted in the vicinity. Sánchez Palacios was the father of a young girl and husband to a stay at home mother. The individual was located in his apartment and while gunfire, toxic gases were emitted, he opened the door and was shot. Nonetheless, security forces eventually evacuated the victim’s family.
According to reports on the ground, the accidental killing was executed by the Sinaloa state police.
Eyewitness accounts described widespread panic among civilians, forcing many to take cover in commercial areas. The operation was hampered when Figueroa managed to escape through a sewage system, eluding military capture despite the heavy presence of federal forces. Allegedlly, Figueroa escaped on foot, crossed a bridge while finding an entry into said sewer system and awaited rescue.
Reports suggest that Figueroa’s escape was facilitated by his armed associates, who provided cover during the chaotic moments of the operation and stayed behind to repel the pursuing forces. The violence in Sinaloa has reportedly escalated following recent arrests associated with significant cartel leaders, signaling a volatile environment in this region of Mexico. Videos circulating on social media have captured the aftermath of the confrontation, highlighting exploded grenades in an apartment building where Figueroa was believed to have been hiding.
This incident has brought further attention to the persistent challenges of cartel violence in Mexico and the effectiveness of military operations against organized crime. As authorities continue to grapple with these issues, questions linger about the control that figures like Figueroa wield within their criminal enterprises and the implications for public safety in Sinaloa.
The failed operation has left many wondering how such a high-profile target could successfully evade capture, raising concerns about the tactics and preparedness of law enforcement agencies in Mexico. In some reports, there is allegations of members of the Mexican army aiding the escape.