Police sources report
that Benito Portillo Torres, the alleged leader of a criminal cell operating in
the mountains of Choix, Sinaloa, was killed Thursday morning in the streets of
the colonia Las Vegas.
Benito Torres Portillo,
is accused by authorities of Sinaloa and Chihuahua of being responsible for
many violent events in recent years in the mountains of Choix, during the leaders management of the drug trade.
The attack occurred in
the early hours of Thursday, which
generated strong police mobilization.
The report confirmed
that shortly before 8:00 am on Xicohténcatl street of the colonia Las Vegas two
people were killed by gunfire.
Officials say the two
men who were gunned down were aboard a dark gray Cruiser with California plates
6EUL244. Two people were dead inside the
vehicle. Authorities report that one of those killed in an element of the
judicial police, which was identified as Manuel de Jesus Barraza Armenta 52
years old.
Portillo's brother
Bernardino Portillo Torres, 24, was killed on March 4th, in the Sierra de Urique, Chihuahua.
Benito Portillo had
appointed Bernardino in charge of
Urique, Chihuahua, where he was killed when confronted by the militia.
In the same convoy
Bernardino was travelling with Benito, who managed evade bullets and
flee the area.
Since that event
nothing has been reported about Benito until the news of Thursday that he was
killed along with a former agent of the State Police, Jesus Barraza Armenta,
after being attacked by an armed group as they drove through the streets of
Culiacan
Benito Torres Portillo
and his brother Vincent have both been identified as lieutenants of the
gavilleros group in Chihuahua, that clash for possession of the land in the
mountains of Choix.
Choix is a prime region
in the cultivation of marijuana and opium gum. Portillo
Torres is accused of having ordered large convoys of gunmen,
disguised as federal agents in different highland communities of Choix.
The first major
conflict in the region now known for massive convoys and deadly conflicts, began
on Friday April 27, 2012, in the community of El Pichol, which resulted in the
brother of Adelmo “Lemo” Núñez, being shot and killed.
Adelmo was the principal rival of Benito Portillo.
Adelmo was the principal rival of Benito Portillo.