Fernando Sánchez Arellano, alias “El Ingeniero” or “Fernandito,” was the enigmatic head of the Tijuana Cartel, until his capture in June 2014. El Ingeniero is the son of Enedina Arellano Felix, who is the sister of the Arellano Felix brothers – original founders of the Tijuana Cartel. He was quietly released from prison in 2023.
What is El Ingeniero’s Story?
El Ingeniero was born in Tijuana, Mexico in 1977. He is thought to have worked closely with his mother Enedina and was involved in a wide range of criminal activities including drug trafficking, extortion, robbery and kidnapping.
Following the death or captures of many of his brothers that led the Tijuana Cartel, the organization split around 2008, breaking into one faction headed up by El Ingeniero and another by Eduardo Teodoro Garcia Simental, alias “El Teo” or “Tres Letras.” El Teo sought an alliance with the Sinaloa Cartel, while El Ingeniero reportedly allied himself with the Zetas. A bloody feud ensued, but following the arrest of El Teo in January 2010, the organization appeared to consolidate again under El Ingeniero.
El Ingeniero inherited an organization far weaker than at the height of its power in the 1990s and early 2000s. He also reportedly had trouble keeping his troops from defecting to powerful rival the Sinaloa Cartel, which by then had begun moving into Tijuana in force.
On June 23, 2014, El Ingeniero was arrested in Tijuana by the Mexican Army, leaving his mother Enedina in charge of the group. He was jailed for nine years in Mexico’s maximum-security Altiplano prison up until this release in 2023.
What Crimes Was El Ingeniero Involved in?
El Ingeniero was involved in a wide range of criminal actives but primarily focused on smuggling narcotics from Baja California into southern California.
Where Did El Ingeniero Operate?
Born in Tijuana, El Ingeniero continued to operate in the city until his capture in 2014.
Who Were El Ingeniero’s Allies and Enemies?
El Ingeniero feuded with rival Tijuana Cartel faction head El Teo, until the latter’s arrest. He also competed with the Sinaloa Cartel.
What is El Ingeniero’s Outlook?
El Ingeniero was jailed for nine years in Mexico until a judge ordered his release in 2023. Today, it’s unclear if he remains a part of the Tijuana Cartel’s criminal structure.
