A former kingpin of the Sinaloa cartel has voiced his support for President Trump’s aggressive stance on drug trafficking, emphasizing that recent military actions, including the killing of eleven traffickers, convey a strong message to those involved in the trade.
Margarito “Jay” Flores Jr., once a significant player in El Chapo’s Sinaloa Cartel, stated that Trump’s firm approach is essential in combating crime syndicates in Latin America, particularly in countries like Venezuela, which he described as a transport hub for Mexican and Colombian drug traffickers.
“I think that a hard-hitting strategy will resonate with all drug traffickers in Latin America,” Flores mentioned during an interview. “They’re really pursuing everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are—whether you’re a country’s president or a drug trafficker. The danger in this line of work is substantial.”
Flores also shared insights with “Fox & Friends,” suggesting that boosting security at checkpoints along the tropical border could significantly hinder the cash flows that sustain cartel operations. He pointed out that these funds are essential for the business of crime.
The Trump administration has declared a renewed “war on drugs,” recently escalating the conflict through airstrikes against trafficking vessels operating in the Caribbean. These actions resulted in the deaths of individuals linked to the Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.
In the aftermath of the strikes, the U.S. confirmed plans to send ten F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Moreover, President Trump has threatened to target a Venezuelan military aircraft after two F-16s were reported to have flown too close to a U.S. naval destroyer. As part of the crackdown, at least eight U.S. warships have been dispatched to Central America in recent weeks.
