Episode 92: Operation Plaza Strike: The Nogales Plaza and Plaza Boss Sergio Valenzuela Valenzuela

Cartels, Conspiracies, and Camarena

Earlier this month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the implementation of Operation Border Spike, which it called the next step in the CBP's strategy to combat fentanyl and other synthetic drugs. Operation Border Spike begins with a focus on the Nogales, Sonora plaza and the plaza's boss.

In this Episode, I give a brief overview of the city of Nogales, and then focus on the elements of Operation Border Spike, as announced by CBP. I then provide a brief history of the man at the head of the Nogales plaza -- Sergio Valenzuela Valenzuela. In particular, I look at Valenzuela's rise to power and his close relationship with CDS leader El Mayo Zamabada.