El Chapo's daughter marries fellow drug lord's nephew in lavish ceremony, armed cartel hitmen provide security
Mexican drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman's daughter reportedly tied the knot in a Sinaloa church with a man who has links to another prominent drug trafficking unit, according to Reuters. Alejandrina Gisselle Guzman married Edgar Cazares, who is the nephew of Blanca Margarita Cazares Salazar, known as "The Empress" of the drug trafficking world. Salazar is an alleged cartel money launderer, according to the local newspaper Reforma.
The wedding took place on January 25 and was reportedly a lavish affair with performances by Mexican musicians and singers and fireworks. The wedding was seen as another example of prominence that the family has in the city. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Culiacan confirmed to Reuters that the wedding took place but did not provide any further details.
Those living near the cathedral had been unsure of who the couple was even though they knew about a fancy wedding taking place. Sofia, who did not provide her full name told the outlet, "The church is for everyone. But the church shouldn’t give privileges to anyone.” Another resident Francisca said, "With money, you can close any building here. It’s unfair."
The couple is said to have arrived at the church with a massive security detail of heavily armed guards. Her father, who is currently in prison, was unable to make it to the ceremony but she reportedly danced with his second wife and Alejandrina's mother.
It is not known whether the couple has been involved in any criminal activities, and any charges gainst the couple could not be determined by the outlet. The groom's aunt Salazar was sanctioned in 2007 by the United States for her "sophisticated money-laundering apparatus" and connections to Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada Garcia and Victor Emilio Cazares of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Zambada headed the Sinaloa Cartel in partnership with El Chapo Guzman until 2016 when El Chapo was captured. Zambada has now possibly assumed full command of the Sinaloa Cartel. Cazares was known as "The Gatekeeper" of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Alejandrina has her own business empire and recently launched the El Chapo beer under the brand "El Chapo 701", dedicated to her father with the slogan "Have a cold one, have an El Chapo Beer." The brand has merchandise and beverages.