Mexican drug kingpin Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has pleaded not guilty to U.S. charges of manufacturing and distributing fentanyl and other drugs. The fifth superseding indictment, filed in Brooklyn, extends his alleged criminal activities to January 2024. Despite his extensive criminal history, reports indicates his deteriorating health might have led to reduced involvement in cartel operations.
However, Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, were recently arrested in El Paso, Texas. Both face multiple charges for drug trafficking to the U.S. Their arrests were significant for U.S. law enforcement, though Mexico did not participate in the operation. Zambada, believed to be in his 70s, and Guzman Lopez, in his 30s, were detained after landing in a private plane. Zambada waived his right to appear in court, entered a not guilty plea, and is scheduled for arraignment.