Sinaloa Cartel Leader El Mayo Zambada Arrested in Texas

The United States Department of Justice has confirmed the arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of El Chapo Guzman, both leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The capture, reported on Thursday, July 25, took place in Texas, United States.

Ismael Zambada, known as one of the main leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, faces a series of accusations related to organized crime and drug trafficking. Considered one of the most wanted drug traffickers by authorities in Mexico and the United States, the DEA offered a reward of more than 15 million dollars for his capture.

Versions about Zambada's arrest vary. While some reports indicate that he was captured by authorities, others suggest that "El Mayo" turned himself in at a private airport in El Paso, Texas. However, this information has not been officially confirmed. According to local media, Zambada was arrested in the Sierra de Sinaloa and taken to Texas, where he was presented as having surrendered. Other reports suggest that Joaquín Guzmán López, son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, was responsible for Zambada's arrest, pointing out his location after being cornered.

Zambada faces five federal charges in the United States, including charges of organized crime, trafficking of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as the use of firearms in New York. In Texas, he is accused of cocaine and marijuana trafficking, money laundering, firearms possession, criminality and murder. He also faces charges in Illinois and California for drug trafficking and organized crime.

The arrest of Zambada and Guzmán López adds to a growing list of cartel figures captured by U.S. authorities, including Joaquín Guzmán Loera, alias "El Chapo," his son Ovidio Guzmán López, and Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, known as "El Nini."

Amid these events, an interview that "El Mayo" gave to journalist Julio Scherer has resurfaced, in which he expressed his fear of being captured and living in prison. Zambada, who turned 76 at the beginning of 2024, has been protected by the cartel due to his health, which has been reported to be deteriorating. He suffers from diabetes and knee problems, which require ongoing treatment.

Zambada's arrest could have repercussions on his treatment during his legal process, given his health condition. Previous reports suggest that his diabetes has become complicated, affecting his vision and limiting his activities.

Zambada's criminal career dates back to his youth, when he associated with key figures in the Sinaloa drug trade. The capture and death of several bosses in the 1980s and 1990s elevated him to a leadership position in the cartel, initially dominated by "El Chapo" Guzmán and Héctor "El Güero" Palma.

This capture is still in progress, and the first images of "El Mayo" captured and handcuffed are expected to make the claims official.