Key Figures and Their Roles
The day marked a significant milestone for US agencies combating transnational criminal organizations, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, along with DEA Director Terrance Cole, leading a group of high-ranking officials and prosecutors from California, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas. They publicly celebrated the major setback for the Sinaloa Cartel: Mayo Zambada’s guilty plea.
Background on Mayo Zambada and the Sinaloa Cartel
Mayo Zambada, along with Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán and Rafael Caro Quintero, co-founded the Sinaloa Cartel. This cartel has been responsible for decades of violence and drug trafficking across the US-Mexico border. Zambada, considered a “terrorist” by Attorney General Bondi, has been implicated in numerous heinous crimes against the US population.
Impact of Mayo Zambada’s Guilty Plea
- Justice for Victims: Justin R. Simmons from the Western District of Texas highlighted the suffering endured by residents in the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez border region due to the cartel wars. Multiple residents, including at least one US citizen, were kidnapped, tortured, and killed by Sinaloa Cartel members.
- End of Reign: Jason A. Reding Quiñones from the Southern District of Florida expressed relief that Zambada’s reign of violence and terror is over. The cartel, which fueled addiction, spread violence, and destroyed families and communities on both sides of the border, will no longer operate under his leadership.
- DEA’s Commitment: DEA Director Cole emphasized that Zambada’s capture demonstrates no cartel leader is beyond the reach of justice. By apprehending him, they protect American families and disrupt drug supply chains.
- Ongoing Efforts: FBI Director Kash Patel stressed that their work is far from over. They will continue to utilize all available resources to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel and end their drug trafficking operations and associated violence.
Collaborative Efforts and Recent Successes
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office in New York, under the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), secured a superseding indictment against Ismael Zambada for fentanyl trafficking last year. This successful prosecution aims to hold one of the world’s most notorious and dangerous narcotraficantes accountable for the lives lost and illicit gains made.
Zambada García’s Legal Status
Zambada García is currently being tried in the Eastern District of New York, facing a joint indictment from Brooklyn and Miami prosecutors. With his guilty plea, he agreed to transfer a previous Western District of Texas charge, leading to the dismissal of those charges at sentencing.
Targeting Mayo Zambada Post-Chapo’s Capture
Following Chapo Guzmán’s capture in 2016, Mayo Zambada became the primary target for US authorities. As the Sinaloa Cartel’s top leader, he operated with impunity at the highest levels of the Mexican drug trade, ensuring his success and protection through bribery of Mexican government officials and law enforcement agents. These corrupt officials and agents safeguarded cartel operations and drug shipments as they crossed Mexico and entered the United States.
