Cartel boss Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada arrested in USA

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, has been arrested by US federal agents in El Paso, Texas. Zambada, who founded the cartel with Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, was charged with a conspiracy to make and distribute fentanyl, a powerful drug blamed for the US opioid crisis. Guzman’s son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, was also arrested with Zambada.

“One of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world”

On Thursday,US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement 

“Ismael Zambada Garcia, or “El Mayo,” cofounder of the Cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of its other cofounder, were arrested today in El Paso, Texas,” He called the cartel “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”

He added “Both men are facing multiple charges in the United States for leading the Cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks.”

Multiple charges in the USA for drug trafficking and organized crime

Zambada, who co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel with the now-detained Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, is being charged with several counts in the US pertaining to organized crime and drug trafficking. For an extended period, the cartel has been regarded as one of the most potent and hazardous drug trafficking groups globally.

He was well-known for managing the cartel’s covert smuggling operations with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. A reward of up to $15 million had been offered by the US Drug Enforcement Administration for information that would lead to his capture.

Zambada’s capture is a significant development in the fight against international drug trafficking, providing US authorities with crucial insights into the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations. This detention is a major victory for law enforcement agencies in both the US and Mexico, who have long sought to bring him to justice.