SUMMARY

Los Virus was a drug trafficking cartel in Mexico battling other cartels for control over territory and smuggling routes.

The group emerged as a splinter from the Cartel Independiente de Acapulco (CIDA), operating in Acapulco, Guerrero State. Although when exactly Los Virus splintered from CIDA remains unknown, the rivalry between the groups became evident in 2019 as they fought a turf war in Acapulco. The leaders of Los Virus were Juan Ulises Laredo Guerrero “El Virus” and his brother Gustavo “El Virus 2”, who previously had been part of the leadership of CIDA. In June 2019, they were both arrested for their involvement in several homicides, kidnappings and extortions.

Los Virus has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organized violence.