On February 8, Sergio Cázares Zambada was discovered dead in the trunk of a Ford Bronco in a remote area near Culiacán, Sinaloa, showing signs of gunshot wounds. He was identified by his family as the son of Agueda Zambada García, sister of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, who is currently facing legal issues in the United States. The discovery occurred just 15 minutes from the Sinaloan capital, raising concerns about the escalating violence related to cartel disputes in the region.

Cázares' murder is linked to the ongoing power struggle between two factions of the Sinaloa cartel, referred to as ‘La Mayiza’ and Los Chapitos, which has intensified following ‘Mayo’ Zambada's arrest in the U.S. more than a year and a half ago. This internal conflict has led to numerous violent incidents, including the deaths of several family members of ‘Mayo’ Zambada, indicating a troubling pattern of retaliation and violence within the cartel structure.

The authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Cázares' assassination, as he joins a grim list of individuals within the Zambada family who have been targeted in the head-on battle for power within the Sinaloa cartel. This situation reflects the ongoing volatility and danger present in regions affected by drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico, posing challenges for local law enforcement and the community at large.