Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, one of the world’s most notorious drug lords and leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, has been apprehended by US federal agents in El Paso, Texas. At 76, Zambada, who co-founded the cartel with Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, was arrested alongside Guzman’s son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, according to the US Justice Department.
In February, Zambada was indicted on charges related to a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, a potent opioid that has been central to the US opioid crisis. US Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the significance of the arrest, stating that Zambada and Guzman Lopez led “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”
The Sinaloa cartel is identified by US authorities as the leading supplier of drugs to the US, with Zambada having been a primary target for law enforcement. The DEA had previously offered a $15 million reward for his capture. The cartel’s influence and Zambada’s extensive network, including legitimate businesses in Mexico, have made him a formidable figure in the drug trade.
During Guzman’s 2019 trial, Zambada was accused of extensive corruption, allegedly bribing the Mexican government to operate with impunity. In addition to fentanyl charges, Zambada faces a range of allegations including drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, money laundering, and organized crime.
Zambada’s arrest is a major development in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking, and is likely to be seen as a significant victory for US law enforcement. His leadership and resilience have made him a key figure in the drug trade, and his arrest marks a crucial step in addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting the US.
