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Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges during an appearance in federal court.
What’s the deal: Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada pleaded not guilty in a New York court to 17 felony charges, including drug trafficking, murder, money laundering, and weapons offenses. Prosecutors called Zambada one of the world’s most powerful drug lords, leading an empire that smuggles drugs across borders with the protection of military-grade weapons and private security. Zambada, who has been a major figure in the cartel for decades, has successfully evaded capture for over 20 years before his recent arrest and extradition to the US.
What El Mayo’s lawyers are saying: El Mayo’s defense claims his arrest was an illegal abduction arranged by Joaquin Guzman Lopez, El Chapo’s son (who is also in US custody), and a group of men posing as military personnel. Zambada’s lawyer argues that he was kidnapped near Culiacan, Sinaloa, and flown to the US against his will, contradicting reports of a voluntary surrender. Zambada described the incident as an “ambush” through his lawyer.
What prosecutors are saying: US prosecutors have largely dismissed the claims of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s alleged abduction, focusing instead on his long-standing criminal activities. They argue that the circumstances surrounding his capture—whether voluntary or forced—are irrelevant to the charges he faces.
Violence in Mexico: This all comes as Mexico experiences a surge in violence, particularly in areas like Culiacan, where rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel are locked in brutal power struggles following the arrest of Zambada. With his leadership no longer stabilizing the cartel, different groups are fighting for dominance, leading to an escalation in killings, turf wars, and violent confrontations.
