By the editor 
The recent capture of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada on Thursday, July 25, has been a success for US authorities who have long tracked his criminal activities. Zambada was arrested along with the son of his partner, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, in an FBI sting operation in El Paso, Texas. His arrest could mark the end of an era in the fight against drug trafficking in Mexico.
“El Mayo” pleaded not guilty this Friday, July 26, to drug trafficking charges before the U.S. justice system. The judge in charge of prosecuting the case is Anne Berton and it will be next Wednesday.
Why did they turn themselves in?
It is believed that Zambada voluntarily turned himself in along with the son of his partner, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Some believe that this surrender was pre-planned and pre-arranged, as Zambada arrived at Santa Teresa airport, near the city of El Paso, where authorities were already waiting for him.
Another theory suggests that Guzman Lopez, the son of “El Chapo,” may have betrayed Zambada and helped authorities capture him. This could have serious consequences for violence in Mexico and also for the cartel itself.
However, there is also speculation about Zambada’s health. His health is said to be deteriorating, which could have been a factor in him turning himself in to authorities.
🚨 La caída de Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada habría sido una entrega pactada
— Manuel Lopez San Martin (@MLopezSanMartin) July 25, 2024
También se entregó Joaquín Guzmán López, hijo de 'El Chapo' y hermano de Ovidio Guzmán pic.twitter.com/cjmOdgIbDF
Whatever the real reason behind this apprehension, what is certain is that Zambada, one of Mexico’s most feared and wanted leaders, is now in the custody of US authorities and is being prosecuted on several drug trafficking-related charges. These charges include trafficking fentanyl, a deadly drug that is wreaking havoc in the United States.
[…] world of organized crime was shaken by the recent capture of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López, two prominent figures in the Sinaloa Cartel. This sudden capture has […]