The gripping docuseries, "Battle of Culiacán: Heirs of the Cartel," is set to debut in India on July 29, 2025, on JioHotstar (OTTplay Premium). This four-part series delves into a brutal and intense chapter in the recent history of the Mexican drug war. It offers a detailed examination of the horrifying aftermath that followed the failed attempt to capture Ovidio Guzmán, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
The documentary series portrays the events of October 17, 2019, when the Mexican Army intervened to apprehend Ovidio Guzmán, a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel who played a significant role in international fentanyl trafficking. What was intended to be a swift operation quickly escalated into a city-wide war when heavily armed cartel members launched an almost immediate attack. A horde of gunmen descended upon Culiacán, blocking roads and attacking military and police forces in an attempt to secure Guzmán's release.
The operation went awry, leading Mexican authorities to release Guzmán in a controversial move to halt the violence and save lives. This decision sparked global concerns regarding the extent of cartel influence and the Mexican government's authority.
"Battle of Culiacán: Heirs of the Cartel" provides unprecedented access to the individuals and locations involved in this catastrophe. The series features interviews with Mexican government officials, police officers, FBI agents, and ordinary citizens who were caught in the crossfire. The docuseries chronicles the attempted arrest of Ovidio Guzmán, the son of El Chapo, and the ensuing violence.
The series premiered on March 13, 2025, and comprises four episodes. Episode 1, titled "Black Thursday," depicts the Mexican Army's attempt to arrest Ovidio Guzmán, which triggers an attack on Culiacán by the Sinaloa Cartel to force his release. Episode 2, "The Chapitos," explores how DEA agents intensify their efforts to connect the Guzmán family to the fentanyl crisis in the United States after the failed "Culiacanazo" arrest. Episode 3, "Hunt the Mouse," shows the Mexican Army, with assistance from the U.S., launching another operation to capture Guzmán after months of surveillance. Episode 4, "Burning Sinaloa," portrays a surge of violence erupting in Culiacán as Ovidio awaits his fate and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada is detained in the U.S.
