In a major turn of events, two high-profile figures from Mexico’s notorious drug cartels have been apprehended and are now in US custody. The arrests include Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, co-founder of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of the notorious El Chapo.
On Thursday, both Zambada and Guzmán López surrendered to US law enforcement. The duo was detained in El Paso, Texas, after disembarking from a private plane that had been flown in from Mexico under the FBI’s watch.
Contrary to Zambada’s expectations that the plane was heading to inspect a clandestine airstrip in Mexico, it was actually en route to the US. Sources indicate that Guzmán López had orchestrated the move to double-cross Zambada.
The reasons behind López’s sudden decision to turn himself in after years on the run remain unclear.
However, it’s evident that he struck a deal with American authorities to hand over Zambada along with himself.
Zambada, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight, was reportedly suffering from diabetes and had been in talks with US law enforcement for at least three years about the possibility of surrendering but had never followed through.
Guzmán López is expected to appear in Federal District Court in Chicago shortly, while Zambada will face legal proceedings in New York.
Attorney-General Merrick Garland emphasized the significance of the arrests, stating that they are part of a broader effort to hold accountable those responsible for the violence and drug trafficking associated with the Sinaloa Cartel.
Garland highlighted that both El Chapo and another of his sons, Ovidio Guzmán López, are already in custody, alongside Néstor Isidro ‘El Nini’ Pérez Salas, the cartel’s alleged chief hitman.
Cartel Connections and Impact
Zambada and El Chapo built a criminal network that extended its reach from the US to as far as New Zealand and Russia, trafficking cocaine, heroin, and other illicit substances.
Despite his low-profile lifestyle, Zambada accumulated considerable wealth, amassing around $3 billion since 2001. His criminal operations have generated billions in revenue, and he has been linked to various businesses benefiting from cartel profits.
El Chapo’s Current Situation
Meanwhile, Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán is currently serving time in the ADX Florence supermax prison in Colorado.
The former cartel boss has complained about his isolation and loss of visitation rights, which were revoked following his conviction on multiple charges in February 2019.
Despite his past notoriety and criminal empire, Guzmán has shown a different side, expressing feelings of loneliness and regret.
Ongoing Developments
The arrests of Zambada and Guzmán López are expected to have significant repercussions. They could trigger instability within the cartel and potentially lead to increased violence in Mexico.
The Department of Justice remains committed to bringing all cartel leaders and associates to justice, aiming to curb the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities both in the US and beyond.
TDPel Media
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