Arizona correctional officer arrested for smuggling ammunition in Mexico

An American correctional officer has been arrested in San Luis Río Colorado, Sonora, for allegedly smuggling ammunition for the Sinaloa Cartel. The suspect, identified as Yanet Dowden, a 22-year-old Level II officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry, was intercepted by Mexican security forces near the border bridge connecting Sonora and Arizona.

Authorities seized 5,445 rounds of ammunition and several firearms, including an AK-47, which were found hidden in her Jeep. Mexican officials stated that Dowden allegedly served as a logistics operator for ‘Los Mayos,’ a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel commanded by Ismael ‘Mayito Flaco’ Zambada Zicairos.

The operation, involving the Mexican Navy, Secretariat of National Defense, and the National Guard, resulted in an estimated financial blow of approximately 1.65 million pesos to the criminal group’s operational structure. The suspect and the seized items have been placed at the disposal of the relevant Public Ministry for further investigation.