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El Chapo’s Son Joaquín Guzmán López Pleads Guilty in Chicago to Drug Conspiracy and Criminal Enterprise

Prosecutors say cooperation could reduce his punishment, with a minimum of 10 years pending sentencing.

Overview

  • In a federal court hearing, Guzmán López admitted coordinating the smuggling of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana into the United States.
  • The plea acknowledges drug amounts including more than 36 kilograms of fentanyl, 90 kilograms of heroin, 450 kilograms of cocaine, 45 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 90,000 kilograms of marijuana.
  • He stipulated to an international kidnapping linked by prosecutors to Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s capture, which the U.S. did not sanction and for which he will receive no cooperation credit.
  • The agreement includes an $80 million personal money judgment and a waiver of appeal rights, with penalties carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
  • Arrested in July 2024 after landing in Texas with Zambada, he has been in U.S. custody since; his brother Ovidio pleaded guilty in July, while two other brothers remain fugitives with U.S. reward offers outstanding.