Mistaken Identity: Cartel War Claims Lives of Canadian Mining Workers in Sinaloa

In a devastating press conference on Monday, February 9, 2026, Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch confirmed that workers from the Canadian-based Vizsla Silver Corp. were abducted and killed in Sinaloa after being “mistaken” for rival cartel members. The tragedy unfolds as a brutal turf war between the Chapitos and Mayos factions of the Sinaloa Cartel continues to destabilize the region.

The “Vizsla Silver” Tragedy

Ten employees were abducted from the company’s Panuco project in Concordia on January 23, 2025.

• The Discovery: Authorities found the bodies of five workers in clandestine graves over the weekend. Five others remain missing, though search efforts are ongoing.
• The Motive: Harfuch stated that the Chapitos faction targeted the workers under the false belief they were providing logistical support or intelligence to the Mayos.
• The Detentions: Four individuals linked to the Chapitos have been arrested. President Claudia Sheinbaum noted that these suspects ultimately led investigators to the gravesites.
• Economic Impact: Vizsla Silver has suspended operations at the site. The Vancouver-based company issued a statement saying they are “devastated” and focused on supporting the victims’ families.

Attack on Lawmakers and Military Surge

The mining kidnapping is just one of several high-profile incidents that prompted the federal government to deploy 1,600 soldiers and special forces to Culiacán and Mazatlán.

• The Shooting: On January 28, two local lawmakers from the Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) party, Elizabeth Montoya and Sergio Torres, were ambushed in Culiacán.
• Medical Status: As of this week, Torres remains in critical but stable condition following intensive surgery. Montoya tragically lost an eye and suffered brain injuries but is reported to be conscious.
• “Radio 13” Arrested: On February 3, authorities detained Jesús Emir Bazoco Peraza (alias “Compa Güero” or “Radio 13”), an alleged Chapitos operative who managed cartel communications and surveillance. In a bizarre twist, records show he was a former administrative assistant for the Culiacán city government.

Summary of Sinaloa Crisis (February 2026)

President Sheinbaum has instructed the Security Cabinet to remain in direct contact with the Chamber of Mining Industry to prevent further attacks on international commercial interests.