Mexico: How El Chapo's son's betrayal led to the arrest of Sinaloa Cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada

Zambada pleaded not guilty to the charges against him at a court in Texas
Updated: July 27, 2024 23:17 IST

One of Mexico's most notorious cartel leaders, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, has long been a thorn in the side of law enforcement. But in a shocking turn of events, El Mayo was found in US custody on Thursday, marking a major victory for authorities. The story of how the septuagenarian was lured into the US is an intriguing one, involving careful planning, and a bit of luck.

For around 35 years, the Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Zambada had eluded the law enforcement agencies. Then how was he duped at the age of 76? The son of jailed Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman was behind the act. Joaquin Guzman Lopez was also arrested along with Zambada when their flight landed at El Paso, Texas on Thursday.

According to sources, Zambada's arrest followed lengthy surrender talks between US authorities and El Chapo's son.

Lopez had convinced Zambada to board the plane by telling him that they were going to see real estate in northern Mexico. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials were already at the airport waiting for the duo's arrival.

More:
https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2024/07/27/mexico-how-el-chapos-sons-betrayal-led-to-the-arrest-of-sinaloa-cartel-leader-el-mayo-zambada.html




Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada: Di Sinaloa drug cartel boss



Zambada hat



Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the El Chapo child who betrayed El Mayo.