WASHINGTON — U.S. authorities announced the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, along with Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of the notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, in Texas on Thursday.
Zambada, a longtime leader of the Sinaloa cartel, has been a key player in the organization’s operations for decades, known for his low profile and strategic management of drug trafficking networks.
According to reports, Zambada and Guzmán López arrived in the U.S. on a private aircraft and voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement. The Justice Department noted the two were involved in significant drug trafficking operations that have contributed to widespread violence.
The U.S. government had placed a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to Zambada’s capture, highlighting his historical ability to evade authorities.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that Zambada and Guzmán López were responsible for trafficking “tens of thousands of pounds of drugs” into the United States, emphasizing their upcoming accountability in the U.S. justice system.
Attorney General Merrick Garland declared that “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” reaffirming the Justice Department’s commitment to holding cartel members accountable for their roles in drug-related tragedies across communities.
U.S. officials have long sought Zambada’s arrest, as he had been charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute synthetic opioids in connection to the Sinaloa cartel’s operations.
Zambada, one of the longest-surviving drug lords in Mexico, has been recognized for his tactical approach, focusing on business operations while avoiding the more violent practices of some of his contemporaries.
Despite his reputation as an elusive figure in the drug trade, Zambada reportedly held significant influence in his home state of Sinaloa, known for his efforts to win local support through financial contributions.
His criminal activities reportedly began in the 1970s, evolving into a major role in drug trafficking by the 1990s. Zambada’s alliances with Colombian traffickers significantly bolstered his power within the industry.
Zambada’s recent arrest comes on the heels of other significant captures related to the Sinaloa cartel, including some of his family members who have also been implicated in drug trafficking activities.
Experts suggest that while Zambada’s arrest is a significant step toward accountability, it may not substantially disrupt the operations of the Sinaloa cartel. Analysts predict that leadership changes within the cartel are likely to occur rapidly.
