Background on Héctor Manuel Avendaño Ojeda
Héctor Manuel Avendaño Ojeda, a key figure in Mexico’s drug trafficking landscape, was extradited to the United States on Tuesday. He is accused of being an operative for Ismael “Mayo” Zambada, a prominent leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Arrest and Charges
Avendaño Ojeda was apprehended in June 2016 in Sinaloa. The Mexican government decided to extradite him to the U.S. court due to charges of “criminal association” and “offenses against health,” according to a statement from the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR).
Avendaño Ojeda and one of his brothers were part of a criminal organization responsible for receiving cocaine shipments via Colombian intermediaries. They then transferred the drugs for land transport to various locations in Mexico and the United States, as detailed by the fiscalía.
Avendaño Ojeda’s Brothers and Their Involvement
Since 2011, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has identified Héctor Manuel, Martín, and Sergio Avendaño Ojeda brothers as responsible for controlling a drug distribution network and money laundering operations.
The brothers had connections with Zambada, one of the co-founders of the Sinaloa Cartel alongside Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán, who is serving a life sentence in the U.S. after being apprehended.
Zambada’s Current Status
Zambada is awaiting trial in New York following his arrest a year ago, reportedly lured to the U.S. by one of Guzmán’s sons.
Mexico’s Anti-Drug Efforts
Under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen anti-drug efforts, Mexico has intensified its seizure operations for drug shipments, particularly the lethal fentanyl.
In February of last year, the Mexican government extradited 29 notorious drug traffickers to the U.S., including veteran capo Rafael Caro Quintero, accused of the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Héctor Manuel Avendaño Ojeda? He is a Mexican national accused of being an operative for Ismael “Mayo” Zambada, a leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.
- What are the charges against him? Avendaño Ojeda faces charges of criminal association and offenses against health in the U.S.
- Who are his brothers and what is their involvement? Héctor Manuel, Martín, and Sergio Avendaño Ojeda brothers are linked to drug distribution networks and money laundering operations in Mexico.
- What is the current status of Ismael “Mayo” Zambada? Zambada is awaiting trial in New York after being arrested and reportedly lured there by one of Joaquín “Chapo” Guzmán’s sons.
- What anti-drug measures has Mexico taken recently? Under pressure from the U.S., Mexico has increased its efforts to seize drug shipments, especially fentanyl, and has extradited numerous drug traffickers to the U.S.
