Overview

• Zambada admitted guilt in Brooklyn to operating a continuing criminal enterprise and to a RICO conspiracy after charges from El Paso were consolidated into the case.
• Judge Brian Cogan scheduled the sentencing for January 13, 2026, and prosecutors stated the statutes of conviction require life imprisonment.
• The plea includes forfeiture and penalties valued by the government at about $15 billion, reflecting decades of illicit proceeds.
• In court, he acknowledged leading the Sinaloa Cartel since 1989, trafficking massive quantities of drugs, and paying bribes to Mexican police, military and political officials.
• The Justice Department previously confirmed it will not seek the death penalty, and while reporting notes potential cooperation avenues, his attorney says there is no cooperation agreement.