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1h ago

‘El Mayo’ Zambada Pleads Guilty in Brooklyn, Faces Life in Prison

U.S. officials cast the plea as a major blow to the Sinaloa Cartel as a $15 billion forfeiture and a January 2026 sentencing now loom.

Fotografía de un dibujo realizado por la artista Jane Rosenberg del narcotraficante mexicano Ismael 'el Mayo' Zambada durante el juicio
En la audiencia de ayer, El Mayo reconoció haber sido uno de los fundadores del Cártel de Sinaloa. Foto: Reuters
El narcotraficante Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada envía mensaje contra la violencia y pide paz en Sinaloa tras declararse culpable en los Estados Unidos. | Especial
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Overview

  • In court, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada admitted directing large‑scale drug trafficking, ordering killings and bribing police, military and political officials in Mexico.
  • His lawyer said there is no cooperation deal with U.S. authorities and stressed Zambada will not disclose names, while conveying a public call for calm and nonviolence in Sinaloa.
  • The Justice Department, DEA and FBI hailed the outcome and said he will spend the rest of his life in prison after prosecutors declined to pursue the death penalty.
  • Zambada pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and operating a continuing criminal enterprise; sentencing is set for January 13, 2026, and the agreement includes a $15 billion forfeiture.
  • Accounts of how he reached U.S. custody remain disputed, a point that has fed tensions as cartel infighting between Mayos and Chapitos continues to drive violence in Sinaloa.