The Arzate brothers, identified as La Rana and Aquiles, have reportedly risen to the level of top narcotics leaders Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, known as one of 'Los Chapitos', and Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as 'Mayito Flaco'. According to narcotics journalist Luis Chaparro, their significant presence in Tijuana, Baja California, makes them key targets for U.S. authorities, especially as they facilitate drug trafficking operations into California. Furthermore, their strong connections with the 'Los Mayos' factions highlight their financial and operational importance within the cartel's ongoing power struggles.

This shift in the cartel's hierarchy indicates a broader restructuring process within the Sinaloa Cartel as it adapts to recent leadership changes and internal conflicts. The Arzate brothers' growing influence suggests that they are pivotal players in the ongoing rivalry against 'Los Chapitos', suggesting that the dynamics within the cartel could lead to further escalation of violence in the region. As these gangs battle for control, the implications for local and cross-border drug trafficking are significant, warranting increased scrutiny from law enforcement.

The reported prioritization of the Arzate brothers by drug enforcement agencies underscores a critical phase in the fight against organized crime in Mexico. This revelation points to the evolving landscape of the Sinaloa Cartel and presents a challenge for both Mexican and American authorities, as they must navigate an increasingly complex web of loyalties and rivalries in their efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. The ability of the Arzate brothers to align with powerful factions within the cartel may further complicate efforts to restore order in the troubled region of Baja California.