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Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar

Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar is a Mexican drug lord known by the alias "El Chapito." U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar is a Mexican drug lord identified by U.S. authorities as a co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is a son of former cartel leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera and is known by the alias "El Chapito." U.S. law enforcement considers him a fugitive wanted for narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and related offenses.

Background

Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar is a Mexican criminal figure associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. Public sources and U.S. agencies identify him as the son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera and a member of the "Chapitos" group.

Criminal allegations

U.S. government sources say he helped lead drug trafficking operations involving fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as money laundering and related crimes. He has been the subject of federal charges and a reward notice in the United States.

U.S. law enforcement status

The U.S. Department of State and ICE list him as a wanted fugitive and say he is connected to a long-running Sinaloa Cartel conspiracy. Federal authorities have issued arrest-related notices and a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.

Role in the Sinaloa Cartel

Sources describe him as a co-leader or senior figure in the cartel's Chapitos faction. This faction is linked to control of inherited trafficking networks after the imprisonment of Joaquín Guzmán Loera.

Key facts

  • Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar is a Mexican drug lord and co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, known as "El Chapito."
  • He is a son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera and a member of the Chapitos faction.
  • U.S. authorities offer a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
  • He is alleged to have trafficked fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
  • He was indicted in U.S. federal court in April 2023 on charges including drug conspiracy, continuing criminal enterprise, and money laundering.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter his name in coverage of transnational organized crime and fentanyl trafficking, since Canadian and North American drug enforcement efforts are affected by Sinaloa Cartel activities.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar?
He is a Mexican drug lord identified by U.S. authorities as a leader in the Sinaloa Cartel and a son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán Loera.
What is his alias?
He is commonly known as "El Chapito," meaning "Little Chapo."
Why is he wanted by the United States?
U.S. authorities say he is wanted for crimes linked to drug trafficking, continuing criminal enterprise, and money laundering.
What organization is he linked to?
He is linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, especially the Chapitos faction.
Is there a reward for information about him?
Yes. The U.S. State Department offers a reward of up to US$10 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction.
What drugs are mentioned in official allegations?
U.S. sources mention fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

References

  1. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — https://www.ice.gov/most-wanted/guzman-salazar-ivan
    Supports: Wanted fugitive status; cartel leadership allegations; 2023 federal arrest warrant; reward notice context
  2. U.S. Department of State — https://www.state.gov/ivan-archivaldo-guzman-salazar
    Supports: Reward up to US$10 million; allegations involving fentanyl and other controlled substances; role in Sinaloa Cartel operations
  3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration — https://www.dea.gov/fugitives/ivan-archivaldo-guzman-salazar
    Supports: Alias "El Chapito" and federal fugitive/drug-trafficking-related listing
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iv%C3%A1n_Archivaldo_Guzm%C3%A1n_Salazar
    Supports: Basic identification; co-leadership description; commonly cited biographical details