Exclusive — DNI Tulsi Gabbard: U.S. Counterterrorism Resources Helped Capture Sinaloa Cartel Plaza Boss ‘El Pato’

In a major win for U.S. and Mexican law enforcement, the notorious Sinaloa Cartel has suffered a major blow with the arrest of one of its top bosses, known as “El Pato”. The success of this operation can be attributed in large part to the efforts and resources of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), as announced by U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard.

The capture of “El Pato” marks a significant milestone in the fight against one of the world’s most powerful and dangerous drug cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel, often referred to as the “Federation”, is responsible for countless deaths and widespread violence, as it dominates the illicit drug trade between Mexico and the United States. Their reach extends far beyond the borders of these two countries, with tentacles spreading to Europe, Asia, and even Australia.

The NCTC, established in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, serves as the primary organization for integrating and analyzing all intelligence pertaining to terrorism and counterterrorism. Its mission is to provide timely and actionable intelligence to protect the United States and its interests abroad. And in the case of “El Pato” and the Sinaloa Cartel, the NCTC played a key role in providing crucial information to U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials.

Director Gabbard expressed her pride and gratitude towards the NCTC, stating, “Their dedication and hard work have once again made it possible for us to disrupt and dismantle a major criminal organization that poses a threat to the safety and security of both our nations.” She emphasized the importance of cooperation and collaboration in the fight against transnational criminal organizations, and highlighted the NCTC’s essential role in providing vital intelligence and resources to tackle this growing threat.

The operation to capture “El Pato” was a joint effort between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement, with Mexican authorities leading the way. The U.S. Department of Justice noted the significance of this collaboration, stating that the success of this operation is a testament to the strong partnership between the United States and Mexico in combating transnational crime.

The capture of “El Pato” also serves as an example of the NCTC’s broader mission to prevent terrorism and other international crimes. This includes working closely with domestic and international partners to identify and address potential threats, as well as disrupting and dismantling criminal organizations that pose a danger to global security.

According to Director Gabbard, the NCTC continues to provide invaluable support to U.S. and foreign partners in their efforts to combat terrorism and other criminal activities. While their work often goes unnoticed, their impact is immeasurable, and the apprehension of “El Pato” is just one of many successful operations that highlight the critical role of the NCTC in safeguarding our nations.

In conclusion, the capture of “El Pato” is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and cooperation of U.S. and Mexican law enforcement officials, with the NCTC playing a crucial role in this significant victory. This operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by transnational criminal organizations and the vital role of organizations like the NCTC in protecting our nations. As Director Gabbard stated, “We will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these dangerous criminal networks, and the NCTC will continue to play a pivotal role in this mission.”