5 Shocking Facts About 'El Changuito Ántrax': The Fugitive Successor Of The Sinaloa Cartel's Most Violent Hit Squad

The name Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez sends a chill through the halls of international law enforcement, and as of December 14, 2025, he remains one of the most wanted fugitives associated with the powerful Sinaloa Cartel. Known by the chilling alias "El Changuito Ántrax" (The Anthrax Monkey), Félix Núñez is not merely a high-ranking member; he is identified as the current leader of the cartel's notorious and ultra-violent enforcement unit, Los Ántrax. His journey from a low-level hitman to the head of a major criminal faction illustrates the brutal, shifting power dynamics within Mexico's organized crime syndicates. His criminal activities have placed him squarely in the crosshairs of the U.S. government, which has designated him for his direct involvement in the illicit trafficking of deadly drugs, including fentanyl. This comprehensive profile dives deep into the life, career, and current status of the man who took the reins of one of the most feared groups in the Mexican underworld, revealing the shocking facts that define his legacy of violence and evasion.

The Profile of 'El Changuito Ántrax': Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez Biography

Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez's profile is that of a career criminal who successfully climbed the ranks of the Sinaloa Cartel hierarchy, aligning himself with the powerful faction known as La Mayiza, loyal to Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. His biography is a testament to the ruthless efficiency required to survive and thrive within the cartel's violent structure.

• Full Name: Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez
• Alias: "El Changuito Ántrax" (The Anthrax Monkey)
• Date of Birth (DOB): July 17, 1979
• Nationality: Mexican
• Primary Criminal Affiliation: Sinaloa Cartel
• Role: Current Leader of Los Ántrax (armed enforcement unit)
• Key Allies: La Mayiza (Zambada Family Faction)
• Criminal Career Start: Early 2000s, working as a hitman (sicario)
• Current Status: Fugitive; Designated by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

Félix Núñez's nickname, "El Changuito Ántrax," is a reference to his predecessor and the infamous group he now commands. The designation by the U.S. government underscores the severity of his operations, linking him directly to the flow of deadly narcotics across international borders.

The Rise of Los Ántrax: From Hitman to Cartel Leader

The story of Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez is inseparable from the history of Los Ántrax. This enforcer unit was established as the elite, heavily armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel, primarily tasked with protecting the Zambada family and battling rival organizations.

Fact 1: His Criminal Career Began as a Low-Level Sicario

Félix Núñez's entry into the criminal world was in the most brutal capacity: as a hitman for the Sinaloa Cartel. He began his career in the early 2000s, a period marked by intense inter-cartel violence and the consolidation of power by figures like "El Mayo" Zambada. His early work involved carrying out assassinations and security operations, proving his loyalty and ruthlessness to the cartel's leadership. This foundation of violence earned him the trust required to rise quickly through the ranks.

Fact 2: He is the Successor to the Infamous 'El Chino Ántrax'

Los Ántrax gained international notoriety under the command of José Rodrigo Aréchiga Gamboa, better known as "El Chino Ántrax." The group became famous not just for their violence but also for their high-profile, social media-driven lifestyle, often flaunting their wealth and weapons on platforms like Instagram. Following the capture and subsequent death of El Chino Ántrax, Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez stepped into the void. He is widely considered to be the current, though perhaps less flamboyant, leader of the remaining faction of Los Ántrax.

Fact 3: Los Ántrax is Aligned with La Mayiza, a Major Cartel Faction

Within the complex structure of the Sinaloa Cartel, Félix Núñez and Los Ántrax are firmly allied with La Mayiza. This faction is loyal to the long-time cartel boss Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, who has famously evaded capture for decades. This strategic alliance means Félix Núñez's operations are central to the Zambada family's control over key territories, including parts of Culiacán, Chihuahua, and Sonora. Their primary mission is maintaining the flow of drug trafficking operations and protecting the cartel's assets from rival groups.

U.S. Sanctions and Fugitive Status: The International Manhunt

The United States government has taken significant steps to disrupt the operations of Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez, recognizing his critical role in the international drug trade. His designation under the Kingpin Act places him on a global watchlist, making him a high-priority target for capture.

Fact 4: Designated by OFAC for Fentanyl Trafficking

In a major move to target the Sinaloa Cartel's leadership, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) officially designated Félix Núñez. This designation is a powerful tool, freezing any assets he may have under U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with him. The official reason for the sanction is his involvement in the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and other deadly drugs. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has been responsible for a devastating public health crisis in the United States, making individuals like Félix Núñez central to the international effort to curb its spread. The designation was part of a broader effort to target violent Sinaloa Cartel leaders involved in the drug trade. This action highlights the direct link between the violence in Mexico, the structure of the cartel, and the drug epidemic abroad.

Fact 5: He is a High-Priority Fugitive with an Active Manhunt

Despite the official sanctions and international pressure, Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez remains a fugitive. His ability to evade capture is a testament to the sophistication and deep-rooted protection networks afforded by the Sinaloa Cartel. The manhunt for "El Changuito Ántrax" is ongoing, involving cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies. His continued freedom allows him to maintain control over the remnants of Los Ántrax and manage the cartel's enforcement activities, perpetuating the cycle of violence in the region. The latest news surrounding him often speculates on the future of Los Ántrax and the ongoing war in Sinaloa, indicating that he is still a relevant and active figure in the criminal landscape. His current status as a wanted man ensures that any information regarding his location or activities is highly sensitive and closely monitored by global authorities.

The Enduring Threat of the 'Anthrax Monkey'

Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez, "El Changuito Ántrax," represents the new generation of Sinaloa Cartel leadership: professional, ruthless, and deeply entrenched in the profitable and deadly fentanyl trade. His rise from a simple sicario to the head of a major enforcement unit, and his subsequent designation by the U.S. government, solidifies his position as one of the most significant figures in the contemporary drug war. The international focus on his capture underscores the severity of his crimes and the global impact of the criminal syndicate he serves. Until he is apprehended, the threat posed by Félix Núñez and the violent legacy of Los Ántrax will continue to shape the dynamics of organized crime in Mexico and beyond.