Who is "El Mayo" Zambada?
Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada is one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in organized crime in Mexico. He is credited with being the true leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, even above Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, due to his operational capacity and low profile.
Since the 1980s, "El Mayo" built a criminal empire based on the trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, and fentanyl to the United States. Unlike other kingpins, Zambada avoided ostentation and internal disputes, which allowed him to remain at the helm of the cartel for decades without being captured.
However, his arrest in 2024 marked the end of an era. He now faces trial in the Federal Court of New York, where the prosecution is seeking the death penalty for the 76-year-old drug trafficker.
Accusations and charges against him
U.S. authorities have presented strong evidence against Zambada, accusing him of being the main person responsible for the introduction of drugs into the U.S. over the last 40 years. The charges he faces include:
Trafficking tons of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the U.S.
International money laundering through front companies in Mexico, Colombia, and Europe.
Corruption of officials in Mexico and the United States, including bribes to DEA agents and the Mexican Navy.
