“The Legend Lives On: How El Chapo’s Initials Found Their Way into ATM Bills in Mexico”

Bills are perfectly valid and must be accepted at any store.

The Immortality of El Chapo’s Legend

The legacy of the notorious drug lord, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, continues to thrive in Culiacán, Sinaloa. Despite his life sentence, the people of his hometown of Badiguarato still hold him in higher regard than the president himself. This immortalization of El Chapo is fueled further by the actions of his sons, who have ensured his presence remains strong through various mediums, including narco series, pantries, and even money.

The Presence of El Chapo’s Initials

The initials “JGL” can be found on the reverse side of the 200 peso bills. According to the local weekly Río Doce, one of these bills was dispensed from an ATM in Culiacán. Despite the stamp, the bills remain unaltered and continue to retain their full value. The Bank of Mexico confirms that these bills are valid for circulation as they do not violate any regulations.

The Tactics of Drug Traffickers

Experts believe that such tactics involving stamped money are used by drug traffickers to distribute bribe payments among individuals, including their own operatives. The unaltered bills, therefore, continue to circulate within the country.

Keeping the Infamous Drug Trafficker Alive

Although El Chapo is incarcerated for life, his family goes to great lengths to ensure his image thrives among the population. They aim to immortalize him as a benefactor and capitalize on his notoriety. To achieve this, the family and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel distribute various items, including food baskets, cakes, and even beer, to those in need, especially during challenging times like the ongoing pandemic.

The Chapo Stamp on Tortas

In a video that circulated on social media, food packages with drinks and tortas wrapped with a black label bearing JGL’s initials were distributed outside a hospital in Culiacán. The distributors claimed to be working for El Chapo’s sons, further highlighting their efforts to maintain his presence among the people.

Pantries Distributed in Underprivileged Neighborhoods

During the month of May, alleged deliveries of pantries on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel took place on the streets of Culiacán, specifically in the Bicentenario neighborhood. These pantries, which included essential items like toilet paper and soap, were branded with the iconic JGL initials. The distribution aimed to provide support to those facing economic hardships, particularly during the pandemic.

Alejandrina’s Chapo 701 Brand

Alejandrina Guzmán, El Chapo’s daughter, launched the Chapo 701 brand, featuring a range of products that pay homage to her father. This includes a craft beer, clothing, and footwear line. The brand aims to keep El Chapo’s name alive and is owned by Joaquín Guzmán’s company, Don Archi, S.A. CV. The beer, appropriately named “El Chapo Mexican Lager,” boasts a label with the iconic mustached face of the drug lord.

El Chapo’s legacy continues to captivate the public imagination, and his initials remain a powerful symbol in Mexico. Whether through stamped bills, food distribution, or branded products, the legend of El Chapo lives on in the hearts and minds of the people.