"Char" for Borderland Beat
**MARCH 8, 2025**
[](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGWSnqKuWkb4IIjBlMFFf4KJ5_1VGwr-DPI3nOacAdBGZStKyJBtSrkx3195JIBtg_wxhRuzitA1g3LuwkNv_uT6JDB_3bDdq68PhO1w_5D0PdH0W6HdpoOnPGddb90-hGYdXWc56vUPSicz7ee8jS3U4KvHn1ZgwEVxOPwYc9kHUR5gwN6x5Y7VHsiMY)
An undated picture of Manuel Noriega "El Meño" or "El 4x1" was leaked on social media, El Meño is a powerful lieutenant of the Mayo Zambada organization led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, "Mayito Flaco".
El Meño, or El 4x1, was believed to be the head of security for Ismael Zambada Garcia, "Mayo Zambada." His base of operations is Higueras de Abuya, located south of Culiacan, Sinaloa. El Meño also holds influence in Panaltita, Pueblos Unidos, Jacola, Chiqueritos, and Quila. El 4x1 is believed to be heading the conflict against the La Chapiza in Elota, La Cruz, San Ignacio, Alta Rosa, and Potrerillos del Norote. The plazas mentioned have seen heavy fighting between El 4x1 forces against the La Chapiza.
El Meño according to sources was behind the death (approved by Mayo Zambada and Chapo Guzman) of Manuel Alejandro Aponte Gomez, "El Bravo" former head of security for Joaquin Guzman Loera and plaza boss of Mazatlan. El Bravo was suspected of turning in Joaquin Guzman Loera to Navy authorities in 2014.