Top Dominican official confirms arrest of Mexican cartel chief’s pilot

Santo Domingo.- The pilot of Joaquin “Chapo” Guzmán, head of the Sinaloa Cartel and one of the world’s powerful drug lords, for whom the United States offers a US$30.0 million reward, has been arrested in the Dominican Republic, the Presidency’s Adviser on Narcotics announced Monday.

Marino Vinicio Castillo said the detention came after a recent a sweep in Santo Domingo by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and local agents, leading to the arrest of two Mexicans, while a third suspect, of Colombian origin, managed to escape during the raid in a hotel in the capital.

Although the National Drugs Control Agency (DNCD) didn’t identify the Mexicans, local media report their last names are Chávez Ramírez and Alvarado Torres, both extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

Castillo, speaking on Colorvision Channel 9, said the U.S. and Dominican authorities were reportedly tipped off on the whereabouts of Guzman’s pilot and confidant.

He said the pilot’s arrest signals a return of the US’ support against the region’s major drug traffickers.

Castillo also questioned opposition PRD party presidential candidate Hipolito Mejia’s recent trip to a major agribusiness fair in Sinaloa, but where he affirms is also a gathering spot for top drug traffickers.