The Beltrán Leyva family rose to power in the early 2000s, establishing themselves as a dominant force in the Mexican drug trade. Originating from Sinaloa, they later expanded their influence across Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, and Mexico City. After splitting from the Sinaloa Cartel, they created several factions, including Los Rojos and Los Ardillos in Guerrero.
These groups now dominate key trafficking routes for heroin and synthetic drugs. In Mexico City, they are linked to the Unión Tepito, a group handling local distribution. Their supply chain stretches from Guerrero through Michoacán, passes through the State of Mexico, and culminates in the capital, using major highways and hidden storage hubs.