Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a top figure of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, were both taken into custody by U.S. authorities in Texas this past Thursday, according to AZPM. Known for his discreet approach to his illicit trade, Zambada has been at large for years, evading capture while commanding the drug cartel's operations alongside the notorious "El Chapo."
Under anonymity citing a lack of authorization to publicly discuss, a Mexican federal official disclosed to AZPM that the pair arrived in the U.S. on a private plane and surrendered themselves. Zambada has long been on the U.S. government’s radar, with authorities placing a bounty as high as $15 million for information leading to his capture.
In their official statement, FBI Director Christopher Wray mentioned that Zambada and Guzmán López have been instrumental in "the trafficking of “tens of thousands of pounds of drugs into the United States, along with related violence," assuring they will now "face justice in the United States." The deadliness of fentanyl, which the cartel figures have played a substantial role in distributing, was specifically highlighted by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, who vowed diligence in holding every culpable party of the drug crises accountable.
The arrests did not receive immediate commentary from Mexican authorities. Standing as one of Mexico's most seasoned drug lords, Zambada has been involved directly in the daily operations of the cartel, contrasting with the more extravagant lifestyle of his colleague, "El Chapo." As reported by AZMP, dating back to April 2010, having conducted under stringent conditions, Zambada acknowledged his fear of incarceration and mentioned considering suicide over being captured.
