Juan José Esparragoza Moreno, commonly known as El Azul (“The Blue One”), was a notorious and elusive figure in Mexico’s drug world. He rose to prominence as one of the most powerful and influential leaders in the Mexican drug cartels, most notably within the Sinaloa Cartel. His long-standing career in the narcotics trade, spanning decades, was marked by his strategic acumen, making him one of the most respected and enigmatic drug lords in Mexico’s criminal underworld.
Early Life and Entry into the Drug Trade
Born on February 3, 1949, in Huixtla, Sinaloa, Juan José Esparragoza Moreno had a relatively low-profile early life, but his ascent in the drug trade began in the late 1970s. He started as a member of the Guadalajara Cartel, which was one of Mexico’s first major drug trafficking organizations. The cartel was founded by Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, Rafael Caro Quintero, and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo (Don Neto). During this time, Esparragoza worked as an enforcer and soon gained the nickname El Azul due to his dark complexion and calm demeanor.
Transition to the Sinaloa Cartel
After the fall of the Guadalajara Cartel in the late 1980s, following the murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, Mexican drug trafficking groups splintered into different factions. Esparragoza Moreno became instrumental in the formation of the Sinaloa Cartel, working closely with notorious kingpins like Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, and Héctor Palma.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, El Azul was known for his diplomatic approach, avoiding the limelight and using his negotiation skills to settle disputes within and between cartels. This made him a valuable asset in the world of narcotrafficking, where violence and chaos often ruled. His ability to build alliances between rival factions was key to the stability and expansion of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Role as a Cartel Leader
Esparragoza’s role in the drug trade was not one of flamboyant displays of power or ruthless violence, like many of his counterparts. Instead, he was a strategic figure who facilitated cooperation between different groups, earning him a reputation as a “peacemaker” within the Mexican drug trade. This, in turn, allowed him to amass a significant amount of influence and wealth while keeping a low profile.
Despite his key role in trafficking massive quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States, El Azul was often overshadowed in public perception by the more high-profile leaders such as El Chapo. However, many experts believe that his diplomatic style and business acumen made him just as powerful, if not more so, than many of the more violent cartel leaders.
Theories Around His Death
One of the most mysterious aspects of Juan José Esparragoza Moreno is the uncertainty surrounding his death. Official reports claim that El Azul died in June 2014 from a heart attack caused by injuries sustained in a car accident. However, there has been much speculation and skepticism around these reports, given his long history of evading capture and staying out of the public eye.
Despite the government’s claims, many within law enforcement and the media have questioned whether El Azul truly died, as no conclusive evidence, such as a body, has ever been produced. Rumors persist that he may have faked his death, a tactic not uncommon in the world of high-level criminal organizations, to escape law enforcement pressure.
Legacy
Whether or not El Azul is still alive, his legacy in the Mexican drug trade is undeniable. His unique approach to leadership, focusing on diplomacy rather than outright violence, set him apart from other drug lords. He was deeply involved in shaping the Sinaloa Cartel into one of the most dominant and enduring criminal organizations in the world.
Despite his relatively low profile compared to figures like El Chapo, Esparragoza’s influence within the drug world has left a lasting impact. His ability to foster cooperation between competing cartels likely contributed to the continued success of the Sinaloa Cartel, even amid the bloody cartel wars that ravaged Mexico throughout the early 2000s.
Conclusion
Juan José Esparragoza Moreno, known as El Azul, remains one of the most enigmatic figures in the history of Mexican drug cartels. His legacy is that of a strategic, calculating leader who preferred negotiation over violence, allowing him to remain a powerful figure behind the scenes. Whether or not he truly died in 2014, his influence continues to resonate within the modern drug trade, particularly within the Sinaloa Cartel, which remains one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world today.
