Sinaloa Cartel Founder El Mayo Pleads Guilty, Sows Discord in Mexico
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has finally pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in the United States and admitted to maintaining corrupt networks with Mexican authorities. These revelations will not be without consequences for the local press.
He has eluded US and Mexican authorities for decades. Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co-founder of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded guilty Monday, August 25, in federal court in New York to drug trafficking charges, Proceso reports .
Arrested in Texas in 2024 under unclear circumstances, the septuagenarian escaped the death penalty in exchange for a guilty plea agreement reached with the American justice system, reports El País América . This decision has fueled speculation for several days about a possible collaboration with the American authorities, especially since he had pleaded not guilty at a previous hearing the year of his arrest. According to press reports, he is expected to be sentenced to life imprisonment on January 13.
One of the highlights of the hearing, widely reported by the Mexican media, was the drug trafficker's confession about his close ties to Mexican authorities. As detailed by Proceso, "El Mayo" admitted before Judge Brian Cogan that he had bribed police, military, and political officials to ensure the criminal network's impunity.
Quoted by El País, he states:
“The organization I led
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