FBI Captures Notorious Drug Lord “El Mini Lic” in Virginia

Dámaso López Serrano, known as “El Mini Lic,” a former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and one of Mexico’s most infamous drug traffickers, was arrested this Friday in Virginia, United States. The arrest, confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through journalist Luis Chaparro, marks a significant blow to organized crime.

López Serrano, accused of fentanyl trafficking, was previously on parole after surrendering to U.S. authorities in 2017. His cooperation during the trial of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán earned him a reduced sentence, but he now faces new charges, including drug trafficking, fentanyl distribution, and criminal conspiracy.

In addition to his charges in the U.S., López Serrano is implicated in Mexico as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of journalist Javier Valdez, a prominent reporter known for his investigations into drug cartels.

Who Is “El Mini Lic”?

Dámaso López Serrano, nicknamed “El Mini Lic,” is the son of Dámaso López Núñez, alias “El Licenciado,” a high-ranking leader within the Sinaloa Cartel. López Serrano played a key role in the cartel’s operations, working closely with the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, known as “Los Chapitos.”

In 2017, following internal disputes within the cartel and the assassination of Javier Valdez—a crime in which López Serrano is alleged to have been the mastermind—he voluntarily surrendered to U.S. authorities. His cooperation with U.S. prosecutors was instrumental in obtaining a reduced sentence, serving five years in prison before being released on parole in 2022.

Throughout his criminal career, López Serrano was linked to numerous crimes, including drug trafficking and multiple assassinations. Witnesses and investigators have consistently pointed to him as the intellectual author of Valdez’s murder, allegedly in retaliation for articles exposing the activities of his faction within the cartel.

A Controversial Figure

Since his release, López Serrano has remained a polarizing figure. He has made explosive claims about the Sinaloa Cartel’s influence in Mexican politics, accusing officials, including former Security Secretary Genaro García Luna, of accepting bribes. He has also alleged the cartel’s involvement in past Mexican electoral processes, fueling debates about the links between organized crime and political corruption.

Impact of His Arrest

The arrest of López Serrano comes amid heightened efforts by U.S. and Mexican authorities to combat fentanyl trafficking, a crisis that has claimed thousands of lives. His capture not only reignites discussions about his criminal past but also underscores ongoing challenges in dismantling the far-reaching networks of organized crime.

As López Serrano faces justice once more, his case serves as a reminder of the enduring influence of drug cartels and the complexities of the fight against corruption and organized crime in both Mexico and the United States.