SUMMARY

La Mochomera was based in the northern parts of Sinaloa state in the area of Los Mochis town. The group originates from the Beltrán Leyva Cartel and was one of several groups that splintered from the cartel after the death of its leader, Arturo Beltrán Leyva, in 2009. The group took its name after one of the brothers that founded the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, Alfredo Beltrán Leyva, that was called “El Mochomo” meaning The Desert Ant.

La Mochomera was headed by Isidro Gastelum Luque called “El Dos Letras” or “Chilo”. The group became known for posting pictures of their victims, often tortured and mutilated, on social media. La Mochomera's leader, "El Dos Letras", was killed in a shootout with the Mexican Navy in July 2014.

La Mochomera has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP violence.