Ismael Zambada Garcia 'Mayo’ Is Close To An Agreement: By RíoDoce

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

This information was posted by RíoDoce

WRITTEN BY: MIGUEL ANGEL VEGA

JANUARY 22, 2025

If he succeeds, the increasingly depressed 'Mayo' could avoid a trial in which 'Vicentillo' would be forced to testify against him

The possibility that Ismael el Mayo Zambada reaches an agreement with US authorities is increasingly palpable, although that does not mean that he would be a collaborator or that he would join the protected witness program, but rather that it would prevent his case from going to trial, where he could be sentenced to life imprisonment, said the drug lord's lawyer, Frank Pérez.

"We are talking to see if we can reach an agreement, but the negotiations have not advanced," confirmed the drug trafficker's lawyer during a meeting with the media, once the preliminary hearing was concluded, in Brooklyn, New York.

This would be the first time that Zambada García's lawyer recognizes that there is a possibility that an agreement could be reached that would benefit the drug lord, although he did not specify what they as the defense would request, nor did he refer to what the prosecution would be requesting.

Mike Vigil, a former DEA agent, considered that if El Mayo collaborated with the United States government, he would provide a great deal of information about how the Sinaloa Cartel has operated over the years, as well as details about corrupt politicians, governors, municipal presidents, and generals of the armed forces with whom he had agreements, in addition to companies that launder money for members of that criminal group.

“El Mayo was behind many agreements, in addition to being, perhaps, the drug trafficker who had the most contact with criminals from other criminal organizations, including the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel, since we must not forget that he was the one who negotiated the rescue of El Chapo's sons, in 2016, in a restaurant in Puerto Vallarta,” Vigil observed.

Negotiating with the United States would be the only way out for Ismael Zambada García, since at 77 years old and with the ailments that come with age, it would be difficult for him to achieve freedom alive, even if he negotiated with the U.S. prosecutor's office, but at least he would reach an agreement that could benefit the rest of his children.

According to journalists who covered the hearing, Mayo looked more downcast than the previous time, when he was presented before Judge James R. Cho, because now he had a sadder and more distant appearance, as if withdrawn, but he would have been firm in confirming Frank Pérez as his lawyer, even though it could mean a conflict of interest because it is the same defense attorney who negotiated the agreement of his son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, with the prosecutors.

“Are you aware that there is a possibility that this case will go to trial,” Judge Cogan asked. But Mayo Zambada remained firm after a letter was read in Spanish during the hearing, which said: “I do not want a different lawyer.”

According to the US penal code, if the case goes to trial, Frank Perez would be limited when defending Zambada Garcia, because if a process were to begin in which he would have to question his client to confront accusations from the prosecutors, he would no longer be able to do so, nor would he be able to use information obtained during the trial of Vicentillo, which at the time benefited other drug traffickers.

“As that process stands, if required, Vicentillo would have to testify against his own father, and there is nothing that Mayo could do to defend himself, that is why Judge Cogan asked him if he wanted to continue with his own defense, because eventually that would bring limitations,” said an official familiar with the case.

These limitations would reduce the chances that the members of the jury will look favorably on Zambada Garcia, in addition to increasing the probability of a more severe sentence. Therefore, avoiding going to trial would be the most logical strategy for the defense.

The old path

The apparent path that the defense of Mayo Zambada would take, to negotiate with the prosecution, would be the same route that drug traffickers such as the capo's own son, Vicente Zambada, as well as his brother Jesús el Rey Zambada García, as well as leaders of other organizations such as Benjamín Arellano Félix, Osiel Cárdenas Guillén and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, took at the time.

More recently, in 2023, Ovidio Guzmán López was extradited, as well as one of the coordinators of the criminal group known as Los Chapitos, Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas el Nini.

In the particular case of Ovidio, the agreement with the US authorities was immediate, and it is believed that it would be the brothers Ovidio and Joaquín Guzmán López who orchestrated the capture and subsequent arrest of Ismael el Mayo Zambada, in July 2024.

Even so, the minimum sentence that the Guzmán López brothers, and perhaps Mayo Zambada himself, would receive is 10 to 15 years, for all the damage that the same authorities said at the time that they caused to American society, and for having filed charges of fentanyl trafficking.

Vigil, who was aware of several negotiations that occurred between drug traffickers and prosecutors, said that it will depend on what el Mayo wants to offer, but even with everything he offers, it is possible that he will not get out of jail even by negotiating, due to his age and how sick he is. “I see Mayo as very finished, and even if he collaborates, they will give him at least 20 years, and considering that he is 77 years old, I see it as very difficult for him to get out,” he considered.

Regarding the negotiations that the Guzmán López brothers could be carrying out, Vigil mentioned that although they have in their favor having handed over Zambada García, it will be difficult for them to spend less than 10 years in prison, but at least they will not face life imprisonment or any heavy sentence.

“They have accusations of fentanyl trafficking, but Joaquín and Ovidio were not the only ones who trafficked that drug, also their brothers, who are still free, have been accused, and other members of the Sinaloa Cartel, including Mayo Zambada,” he observed.

If Joaquín and Ovidio continue to collaborate with the United States, at some point they would have to give information about corrupt officials in Sinaloa, about their brothers, and if Mayo Zambada goes to trial, testify against him.

The DEA's new targets

With Ismael el Mayo Zambada and Joaquín el Chapo Guzmán behind bars, the DEA's new targets would be the children of the drug lords: Iván Archivaldo and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, along with Ismael Zambada Sicairos el Mayito Flaco. For the first two, the DEA is offering rewards of 10 million dollars.

According to the DEA's website, the profiles of the three drug traffickers, who apparently lead a war in different municipalities of the state of Sinaloa, are part of the drug traffickers most wanted by the United States government.

The inclusion of el Mayito Flaco on this list dates back to 2015, and since then he has been sought by the authorities. The sons of Chapo Guzmán have been sought since 2008, although it was only last year that the United States authorities increased the reward from 5 to 10 million for each of them.

Article published on January 19, 2025 in issue 1147 of the weekly Ríodoce.

SOURCE: RIODOCE 

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Record Cocaine Seizure in Toronto, Canada Tied to CJNG & Outlaws MC

“Socalj” for Borderland Beat

A five-month investigation in Canada has resulted in the largest cocaine seizure in Toronto Police Service’s history. Over 835 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $83 million was seized during Project Castillo that started in August 2024.

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Possible La Familia Michoacana Officer Arrested in Itzapalapa, Mexico City

By "El Huaso" for Borderland Beat

Luis Manuel "El Galletas", identified by different sources as a leader of a local gang or possibly a member of La Familia Michoacana, was arrested by authorities while smoking marijuana on the streets of Itzapalapa, Mexico City

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Homeland Security Grants Immigration Enforcement Authority to DEA, ATF, BOP & US Marshals

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive essential to fulfilling President Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations.

The directive gives Department of Justice (DOJ) law enforcement officials in the U.S. Marshals, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons authority to investigate and apprehend illegal aliens.

“Thanks to the last Administration’s open border policies, we’ve seen violent criminals and gang members terrorize American communities. Today’s action empowers law enforcement officials at the DOJ to help identify and apprehend aliens who have illegally come into our country. Mobilizing these law enforcement officials will help fulfill President Trump’s promise to the American people to carry out mass deportations. For decades, efforts to find and apprehend illegal aliens have not been given proper resources. This is a major step in fixing that problem.” wrote Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman.

Sources DHS

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Hikers Shot & Robbed by Suspected Cartel Members Near Mexican Border in Jacumba, California

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

From a CBP Press Release

A U.S. citizen and a Canadian citizen were robbed and attacked by armed suspected Mexican cartel terrorists, in the Jacumba Wilderness.

On Wednesday at approximately 11:00AM., El Centro Sector Communications received a call from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatch with information a man had been shot and needed assistance in the El Centro Sector area of responsibility. 

U.S. Border Patrol agents were dispatched to an area of the Jacumba Wilderness approximately 1,000 feet north of the U.S.-Mexico International Border, where they encountered a group of hikers who reported part of their group had been attacked by armed individuals.

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‘Ruben Rocha Out!’ Protesters Protest Murder of Brothers Gael 12 Year Old and Alexander 9 Year Old in Culiacan. Another Violent Black Thursday In Culiacan, Sinaloa.

 "Char" for Borderland Beat

This information was posted by EL FINANCIERO 

Over the weekend in Culiacán there were five homicides: two occurred in the Los Ángeles neighborhood, when a family was traveling in a car; the driver and two of his children died.

JANUARY 23, 2025

WRITTEN BY: CARLOS VELAZQUEZ

With the slogan ‘Rubén Rocha Out!’, parents, teachers and students protested this Thursday, January 23 in Culiacán against the murder of a family, the father and two of his children, who were shot last Sunday.

The protesters reached the third floor where the office of Governor Rubén Rocha is located, who a few days ago said that in the state one can live perfectly well; the people broke a glass door in the government offices.

Hundreds of families dressed in white marched to demand justice for the murder of the children Gael and Alexander, 12 and 9 years old, respectively, as well as their father Antonio de Jesús, 32 years old.

They were traveling in a car on Agricultores Avenue, in the Los Ángeles neighborhood, east of Culiacán, when it seems that they tried to steal the vehicle. The driver accelerated the car and was chased with gunfire. Antonio de Jesús died on the spot.

The boy Gael was injured, but died while being treated in the hospital, while Alexander died this Wednesday. Another 17-year-old child is still being treated for gunshot wounds and is hospitalized.

What were the violent events recorded this Thursday, January 23 in Culiacán?

The city of Culiacán woke up agitated by violent events from seven in the morning: a device exploded at the tomb of Edgar Guzmán, son of Chapo Guzmán, in the parking lot of a shopping center.

In a central space there is a sarcophagus dedicated to Edgar Guzmán López, murdered on May 8, 2008 in the midst of the war against drug trafficking declared by then-president Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa.

An armed group arrived this morning and launched the explosive that caused damage to the mausoleum, leaving only a two-meter-high cross and pieces of cement around it.

A 2015 blue Sentra was parked on the side of the vehicle and one of the passenger side doors was damaged. The vehicle belonged to one of the City Club tire shop employees.

Violent day in Culiacán, Sinaloa. (Carlos Velázquez).

The firefighters, whose northern station is located one kilometer from the plaza, arrived to inspect the place, they only found the pieces of cement, however, the municipal police guarded the place.

Almost at the same time, on the other side of the city, south of Culiacán, a municipal police patrol was attacked with bullets by an armed group. Two uniformed officers were killed and two others were injured.

The events occurred at 8:40 a.m. on Mexico Avenue 68 corner with Álvaro Obregón, in front of the municipal park Culiacán 87. The police officers who died were identified as Isidro and Jasiel, while one of the injured is Francisco Eduardo. The uniformed officers were traveling in municipal patrol 0768 with logos of the Municipal Police of Culiacán.

The Public Security Secretariat confirmed the attack, which was directed against the police officers when they were conducting surveillance patrols in the southern part of the city.

The patrol car was left with several holes in the body and windows from the gunshots and inside were the two deceased police officers, one was the driver and the other one of those traveling in the back.

Two other uniformed officers were injured and were taken to the General Hospital of Culiacán. With these attacks, there are now seven police officers who have been killed in Culiacán, since the confrontation between the criminal groups of Los Chapitos and the son of Mayo Zambada began.

Police officers have been killed in Mazatlán and Culiacán, the municipalities where the violent events have taken place since September 9.

PROTEST IN SINALOA GOVERNOR PALACE 

SOURCE: EL FINANCIERO 

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This Morning Only The Cross Remained Standing! This Is How The Cenotaph Of Edgar Guzman Lopez The Son “El Chapo” Guzmán Was Blown Up In Culiacan, Sinaloa

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

This information was posted by LOS NOTICIERISTAS 

WRITTEN BY: DIANA CRUZ 

JANUARY 23, 2025

Culiacán, Sinaloa.- In the early hours of Thursday, January 23, the emergency line was informed of the detonation of an explosive device at the cenotaph of Edgar Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

The incident occurred in the parking lot of the City Club, on Universitarios Boulevard, where the cenotaph is located.

The cenotaph was found almost destroyed at the site, only the giant cross that characterizes it remained standing with pieces of concrete lying around it.

On one side of the cenotaph was a blue 2015 Sentra vehicle, which was apparently affected by the same explosion, where pieces of glass and spilled gasoline were left lying around.

The affected vehicle belonged to a store employee, who said that he arrived early, parked as usual, and upon hearing the explosion discovered that his car had been damaged in its windows, bodywork, and gas tank.

It was at 7:30 in the morning when the loud explosion was heard in the Tres Ríos sector and the municipal police were the first to respond, arriving in 20 minutes.

Then the Culiacán Fire Department arrived to prevent the spilled gasoline from starting a fire. At almost 9:00 am, investigative personnel from the State Attorney General's Office arrived.

SOURCE: LOS NOTICIERISTAS 

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Jesus Ramon Félix Núñez Cousin Of Rafael Guadalupe Félix Núñez, "Changuito Antrax" High Ranking Member Of The La Mayiza Or MF Criminal Organization Is Captured And Interrogated By La Chapiza In Culiacan, Sinaloa. Changuito Antrax Is The Plaza Boss In Manzanillo, Colima, For The Sinaloa Cartel.

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

JANUARY 22, 2025

The following interrogation video is of a man named Jesus Ramon Felix Nuñez who claims to be the cousin of Rafael Guadalupe Felix Nuñez, "Changuito Antrax" a high-ranking member and lieutenant of Ismael Zambada Sicairos, "Mayito Flaco" leader of the Mayo Zambada faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. 

The United States Department Of Treasury says the following about Changuito Antrax, " Rafael Guadalupe Felix Nuñez (Felix Nuñez), who began his criminal career working as a hitman for the Sinaloa Cartel. In 2008, following the separation of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Beltran Leyva organization, a new Sinaloa Cartel armed wing was formed by now-deceased Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa (“Chino Antrax”) that would go on to be called “Los Antrax.” Among its original members was Felix Nuñez, who then became known as “El Changuito Antrax.” Following Rodrigo Arechiga Gamboa’s arrest in December 2013, Felix Nuñez took on more responsibility in the organization, and on July 25, 2014, Felix Nuñez was indicted on drug trafficking charges in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. He was arrested by Mexican authorities in November 2014 and in 2017 escaped from a prison in Culiacan, Sinaloa with several other Sinaloa Cartel members. To date, Felix Nuñez remains a fugitive.

Since his escape from prison, Felix Nuñez has evolved into a powerful and violent Sinaloa Cartel leader in the city of Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico. The city of Manzanillo is home to a large port that shares its name and serves as a gateway for illicit drugs. The port of Manzanillo receives shipments from all over the globe, including cocaine from Colombia and illicit precursor chemicals — including those used to synthesize fentanyl — from Asia. In addition to being a North American entry point, the port of Manzanillo is also a strategic transport hub for drugs ultimately destined for the United States."

RAFAEL GUADALUPE FELIX NUÑEZ

CHANGUITO ANTRAX

SOURCE: RIODOCE 

La Chapiza Interrogates Jesus Ramon Felix Nuñez Cousin Of Changuito Antrax 

VIDEO TRANSLATION

BY: SOL PRENDIDO 

Sicario: Whats your name?

Captive: Jesus Ramon Felix Núñez. 

Sicario: Where are you from?

Captive: Laguna Colorada, Sinaloa. 

Sicario: How old are you?

Captive: 44. 

Sicario: Which group do you belong to?

Captive: The Mayito Flaco mob. 

Sicario: What is Changuito Ántrax to you ?

Captive: He’s my cousin. 

Sicario: What was your mission?

Captive: To kill spies. 

Sicario: What weapon were you provided with?

Captive: A .380 pistol. 

Sicario: Who gave you this firearm?

Captive: Changuito. 

Sicario: How much were you paid?

Captive: He initially gave me 4000 pesos. And this is what I was using to live off in the community of El Manguito. I was told that I’d be given an additional 10,000 pesos afterwards. But that all turned out to be a lie, it was just talk on their end. 

Sicario: Who sent you to Culiacán?

Captive: Changuito. 

Sicario: Is there a message that you’d like to send out to your buddies?

Captive: Don’t bother listening to anything those guys have to say. It’s all talk and lies. More than likely you’ll be sent to the slaughter in much the same manner that I’ll probably end up in here soon enough. Don’t listen to what people have to say. It’s best that you guys stay on your toes for your own good. Value your lives and don’t let these individuals deceive you. Don’t waste your time believing a ward that they say. I would also like to send a message to my dad…

SOURCE: United States Department Of Treasury

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Violent Clashes Continue In La Elota, La Cruz, And San Ignacio In Sinaloa. La Mayiza Or MF Group Videotaped Clashes Against La Chapiza In Elota, Sinaloa. A La Chapiza Member Is Decapitated.

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

JANUARY 21, 2025

Violent clashes continue to erupt in Elota, Sinaloa, as La Mayiza continues to wage war against La Chapiza Cartel. Moreover, in Elota, La Cruz, and San Ignacio, Sinaloa, have seen violent clashes since the start of the bloody civil war between former allies. Controlling the plazas mentioned would be a stepping stone to controlling Mazatlan, an undoubtedly profitable plaza for La Chapiza. 

The following is footage of the clashes in Elota, Sinaloa, videotaped by La Mayiza or MF Group. La Chapiza appears to have suffered a defeat in that specific clash. 

LOS MF IN La Cruz 

WARNING GRAPHIC VIDEO

VIDEO TRANSLATION 

THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ALL THE CHAPOZETAS IN ELOTA! WE HAVE A LIST OF THE CHAPOS COMMANDERS OPERATING HERE. ALL YOU DOGS WILL FUCKING DIE!  THERE IS ONLY ONE BOSS! 

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Silk Road Founder Ross Ulbricht Pardoned by Trump, Was Serving Life Sentence

 "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

From a NPR Article

Ross Ulbricht, also known as "Dread Pirate Roberts," operated the Dark Web marketplace known as Silk Road between 2011 and 2013, when law enforcement shut the site down and arrested him at a California public library.

At the time of his sentencing in San Francisco in 2015, Ulbricht was 31 years old. He was convicted of distributing narcotics, engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiring to commit computer hacking, and conspiring to create fake identities and launder money. He was sentenced to life in prison.

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Mexican Mafia Death Row Inmate & Sureño Rappers Charged with Partnering with Sinaloa Cartel

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

A recent superseding indictment charged several high level Mexican Mafia or La eMe members and Sureño gang members with collecting taxes and extortion payments in their areas of influence. Standard operating procedure for the Mexican Mafia prison gang who would greenlight those who refused to pay.

In this case, a pair of gang members turned rappers who collected street taxes from other rappers and musicians who claimed affiliation burned the house of one who didn't want to pay up. The indictment also showed that longtime eMe figure who controlled most of San Diego and other areas, one of the three-man California commision for the gang had partnered up with the Sinaloa Cartel on human smuggling and drug trafficking.

He even offered Mexican Mafia protection in the federal prison system for El Chapo...all while sitting on death row in San Quentin Prison. Now, with California's death penalty all but gone, he faces federal charges.

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Navy secures two clandestine laboratories in Culiacán: Sinaloa

 "Char" for Borderland Beat

This information was posted by RIODOCE 

Author | Editorial Ríodoce

Date | January 20, 2025

Time | 8:13 am

Navy personnel located and neutralized two clandestine laboratories in the town of Los Cedros, municipality of Culiacán.

The “narco-laboratories” with dimensions of approximately 1,600 and 6,000 square meters, where 3 kilos of finished product, 100 liters in cooking, 5,150 liters of phenyl-2 propanone (P2P), 5,500 liters of benzyl chloride, 3,000 liters of acetone, 13,600 liters of ethyl alcohol, 100 liters of hydrochloric acid, 100 liters of gasoline, 11,265 kilograms of tartaric acid, 4,775 kilograms of caustic soda, 1,700 kilograms of sodium cyanide, 120 kilograms of azobisisobutyronitrile, 2,000 kilograms of phenylacetic acid were seized.

Likewise, three stainless steel reactors, five distillers, a stainless steel pot, four plastic vats, two plastic pots, 37 LP gas tanks, four motor generators, four motor pumps, a welding plant, two stainless steel centrifuges, 54 aluminum boxes, a current amplifier, an emery, 20 pressure pliers, 11 burners, a stainless steel shovel, 60 welding electrodes, 20 cutting discs for emery were found.

The laboratories and the various materials were neutralized and destroyed on site, preventing them from being used for the production of synthetic drugs, and the corresponding records were kept by the ministerial authority.

SOURCE: RIODOCE 

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Trump Signs Executive Order Designating Cartels and Certain Gangs as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

 "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

Among the nearly hundred Executive Orders signed by newly inaugurated President Donald Trump on his first afternoon in office included an order to designate Mexican Cartels and other groups as FTOs, or Foreign Terrorist Organizations. 

This designation had been touted often during his first administration and when campaigning for both subsequent elections. Searching through Borderland Beat archives, Congress has been exploring this idea of designating the cartels as terrorists since at least 2012.

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CBP One App Goes Offline, Asylum Appointments Cancelled

 "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

Effective January 20, 2025, the functionalities of CBP One™ that previously allowed undocumented aliens to submit advance information and schedule appointments at eight southwest border ports of entry is no longer available, and existing appointments have been cancelled.

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24 bodies found in clandestine grave in Zapopan: Jalisco

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

This information was posted by INFORMADOR.MX

The area in Lomas de Refugio was intervened by the Luz de Esperanza collective and state authorities, who recovered 72 bags with human remains

By: Marck Hernández

January 18, 2025 - 11:43 p.m.

The intervention carried out in a clandestine grave located in the Lomas del Refugio neighborhood, in Zapopan, resulted in the location of 24 bodies.

The grave was intervened mainly by the search group Luz de Esperanza, who carried out intervention work together with state authorities.

The search was activated on December 13 and concluded on January 13. In total, 72 bags with human remains were recovered.

Due to the search efforts, one woman and five men were pre-identified who had been reported missing between 2021 and 2023.

The families of these victims have already been notified and are being provided with full psychosocial support by the Vice-Prosecutor's Office for Missing Persons.

Forensic Sciences personnel and the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office used drones with thermal cameras and ground-penetrating radars, as well as canine teams to intervene in the grave.

SOURCE: INFORMADOR.MX 

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