Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, one of the most notorious and powerful figures in Mexico’s drug trafficking world, has been sentenced to life in prison by a federal court in the United States, ending the criminal career of one of the founders of the Sinaloa Cartel. The 76-year-old, who founded the cartel with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, appeared in court in Brooklyn, where he apologized for his actions. In addition to the life sentence, the court ordered him to pay $15 billion in restitution, an amount that US authorities consider to be the proceeds of his criminal activity.
Zambada's arrest in 2024 was considered one of the most high-profile anti-cartel operations. According to authorities, he was tricked by Joaquín Guzmán López, El Chapo's son, who convinced him they were traveling to northern Mexico to inspect secret airstrips. Instead, the plane landed in Texas, where Zambada was arrested by U.S. authorities.
He later pleaded guilty to charges related to drug trafficking and criminal conspiracy in exchange for dropping his request for the death penalty. The plea agreement called for a mandatory sentence of life in prison. During the hearing, Zambada spoke in Spanish through an interpreter, expressing remorse for the consequences of his actions.
"I am sorry for the damage I have caused and for the example I have set," he said, while calling on young people not to follow the path of crime. He added that violence must end, as according to him it destroys families and takes the lives of thousands of people. The US Department of Justice stated that the amount of 15 billion dollars represents the profits secured by the drug trafficking network during the period when Zambada was at the head of the criminal organization.
Meanwhile, Joaquín Guzmán López, also arrested in July 2024, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges but is still awaiting a final court decision. In the agreement with prosecutors, Zambada formally admitted that he played a key role in building the Sinaloa Cartel network, which for decades shipped large quantities of cocaine and other drugs to the US market. One of the issues that remains open is where he will serve his sentence. Through his lawyers, Zambada has requested to be transferred to a hospital facility within the penitentiary system, arguing that his health condition and advanced age require constant medical care.
Since his arrest, the Sinaloa Cartel has been embroiled in a fierce internal conflict between rival factions. The clashes have left hundreds of people dead and missing, worsening the security situation in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. However, analysts say that the sentencing of “El Mayo” is not expected to significantly change the cartel’s activities or drug trafficking to the United States. Criminal organizations have shown that they adapt quickly to changes in leadership, as new figures take the place of arrested or convicted leaders. “El Chapo” Guzmán, Zambada’s former partner, is also currently serving a life sentence in prison in the United States.
