Episode 51- Osiel Cardenas Guillen and the Power Move that Almost Brought Down the Gulf Cartel

As part of our series analyzing the older Mexican cartels and, in particular, understanding their leaders, today we discuss Osiel Cardenas Guillen, who rose from being a mechanic in Matamoros to leader of the Guld Cartel. 

While heading CDG, Cardenas Guillen was directly responsible for the creation of Los Zetas, as well as the territorial and operational growth of the Cartel.  He also made a curious display of power that drew the attention of law enforcement in Mexico and the United States, likely precipitating his arrest. 

Following Cardenas Guillen's arrest and eventual extradition to the U.S., the Zetas split from and battled with the Gulf Cartel.  Today, the Zetas essentially are no longer, and the Gulf Cartel is little more than several smaller, much less powerful factions.