In a dramatic turn of events, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, one of Mexico’s most infamous drug lords and a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, was arrested after being allegedly abducted and flown to Texas. Following this shocking incident, Mexican officials announced they are considering treason charges against those responsible for his handover, according to reports from the Associated Press (AP).
The 76-year-old Zambada was taken into custody last month alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of the notorious Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Guzmán López, 38, was purportedly negotiating with U.S. authorities about turning himself in when he kidnapped Zambada before boarding a private flight to the United States. He has since pleaded not guilty to charges related to drug trafficking in a federal court in Chicago.
Upon their arrival in El Paso, Texas, both Zambada and Guzmán López were arrested. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has since launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Zambada’s capture, examining possible charges related to illegal flight, kidnapping, and treason, among others.
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According to Mexican law, treason is defined not only as aiding a foreign enemy but also as the act of delivering someone to outside authorities against their will, punishable by up to 40 years in prison. While Guzmán López’s reasons for abducting Zambada are unclear, some speculate he might have been seeking leniency in exchange for this dramatic act.
Zambada has a long history of criminal activity, including charges of murder and drug trafficking dating back to 2012. He was the subject of a $15 million reward by the U.S. Department of Justice for information leading to his arrest, with recent allegations claiming he oversaw a major drug trafficking operation from 1989 to 2024.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland has described the Sinaloa cartel as one of the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations globally, noting both Zambada and Guzmán López face serious charges, including those related to the trafficking of fentanyl, a potent opioid.
As investigations proceed, tensions continue to rise between Mexico and the United States regarding the handling of drug cartel leaders. The Biden administration is under significant pressure to address the ongoing opioid crisis, which is largely fueled by fentanyl smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico.