Overview
- Guzmán López pleaded guilty in federal court to drug trafficking and a continuing criminal enterprise, reversing his earlier not-guilty plea.
- He admitted overseeing large-scale shipments of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana into the United States, often using tunnels.
- As part of the plea, he acknowledged directing the abduction of an individual believed to be Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who was hooded, sedated and flown to New Mexico before U.S. custody.
- Prosecutors said the unsanctioned kidnapping will not earn cooperation credit, but the deal allows for potential leniency; he faces at least 10 years, waives appeal rights and agrees to forfeit $80 million.
- The move builds on a July plea by his brother Ovidio, while two other indicted brothers remain at large as U.S. authorities pursue the cartel’s leadership.