Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada García, the 76-year-old co-founder and leader of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, has been detained by US authorities in El Paso, Texas, marking a significant development in the fight against international drug trafficking. The circumstances of his capture remain unclear, with some sources suggesting he surrendered voluntarily, while others report he was arrested at a private airport in El Paso.Zambada, who had evaded capture for decades, was one of the most wanted drug lords in Mexico, with the US Department of State offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his arrest. He faces numerous charges in the United States, including drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl.The arrest of ‘El Mayo’ Zambada is considered historic due to his long-standing role in the Sinaloa Cartel, which he co-founded with the now-incarcerated Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. His capture is expected to have significant implications for the drug trafficking landscape in Mexico and the United States.US federal prosecutors have accused Zambada of playing a crucial role in the distribution of fentanyl, which has become a leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. The DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment report highlights the Sinaloa Cartel as one of the oldest and most violent criminal organizations in Mexico.As of now, neither Mexican nor US authorities have officially confirmed the detention. The capture of ‘El Mayo’ Zambada represents a major breakthrough in the ongoing war against drug cartels and organized crime in the Americas.
Key points
- Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada García, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has been detained by US authorities in El Paso, Texas.
- Zambada faces charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, murder, and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl.
- His capture is considered historic due to his decades-long evasion of justice and his role in the Sinaloa Cartel.
- The arrest is expected to have significant implications for the drug trafficking landscape in Mexico and the United States.
Contradictions👾Some sources report that Zambada surrendered voluntarily, while others state he was arrested at a private airport in El Paso.
👾The exact circumstances of his detention and the involvement of various law enforcement agencies remain unclear across different reports.
