In a dramatic turn of events, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in the United States alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of his former partner, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
According to reports, Guzmán López orchestrated a complex operation to lure Zambada onto a private plane, falsely claiming it was bound for Mexico to inspect drug airstrips. The aircraft instead landed in El Paso, Texas, where both men were apprehended by US authorities.
The motive behind Guzmán López’s betrayal is believed to be a long-held grudge against Zambada, whom he blames for his father’s capture and extradition to the US. The younger Guzmán reportedly cut a deal with US law enforcement in exchange for leniency.
Zambada, once a shadowy figure in the cartel, had been in communication with US authorities for several years about a potential surrender but never followed through. His arrest marks a significant blow to the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been a primary source of fentanyl in the United States.
Both men face multiple drug trafficking charges and will be prosecuted in US courts. Attorney General Merrick Garland described the Sinaloa Cartel as one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.
The arrests are expected to have far-reaching implications for the cartel, potentially leading to internal power struggles and increased violence in Mexico.
