Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, the 76-year-old co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord ‘El Chapo’, have been arrested by US authorities in El Paso, Texas. This development marks a significant blow to one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.Zambada has pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy to commit murder. His lawyer, Frank Pérez, has stated that Zambada did not surrender voluntarily but was taken against his will. The circumstances of the capture remain unclear, with conflicting reports suggesting either a betrayal within the cartel or a negotiated surrender.US President Joe Biden has hailed the arrests as a major achievement in the fight against drug trafficking. The Justice Department considers this operation a significant step in combating the flow of fentanyl and other narcotics into the United States.The Mexican government, led by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has denied any involvement in the operation and has requested a ‘complete report’ from US authorities. This lack of coordination has raised questions about the state of US-Mexico relations in the ongoing war against drug cartels.Experts warn that these high-profile arrests could lead to a power struggle within the Sinaloa Cartel, potentially resulting in increased violence. Additionally, there is speculation about the information Zambada might reveal regarding his connections with government officials, which could have far-reaching implications for bilateral relations.As the legal proceedings unfold, with Zambada set for a hearing on July 31 and Guzmán López expected to appear in a Chicago federal court, the impact of these arrests on the broader landscape of drug trafficking in the Americas remains to be seen.
Key points
- Sinaloa Cartel leaders Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López were arrested in El Paso, Texas.
- Zambada has pleaded not guilty to charges including drug trafficking and money laundering.
- The circumstances of their capture are disputed, with conflicting reports of betrayal or negotiated surrender.
- These arrests could potentially reshape Mexico’s drug landscape and impact US-Mexico relations.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about how Zambada was captured, with some sources claiming he was tricked onto a plane, while others suggest he may have been negotiating his surrender for years.
👾The level of coordination between US and Mexican authorities is unclear, with Mexico denying involvement and requesting a full report.
