Prosecutors are seeking to transfer Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada’s case to federal court in Brooklyn, while Mexico has requested further details about the flight that led to the arrests of two alleged drug lords on U.S. soil.
Zambada, a prominent leader and co-founder of Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, faces charges in various U.S. locations. He and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of infamous Sinaloa kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, were arrested last month after being flown into New Mexico. Zambada claims he was abducted in Mexico, believing he was heading to a meeting with a Mexican official.
On Thursday, Mexican officials asked the U.S. Department of Justice for information about the flight transporting Zambada and Guzman, including the aircraft’s serial number, FAA records, customs and border authorization documents, and advance passenger information. This information has not yet been provided.
Zambada, 76, has appeared in federal court in El Paso, Texas, one of the jurisdictions where he faces charges. He has pleaded not guilty to racketeering conspiracy, drug conspiracy, and other allegations.
Prosecutors in Texas have requested a hearing to facilitate transferring Zambada’s case to New York, where he would face charges similar to those for which El Chapo was convicted in 2019. If granted, the New York case would take precedence over the Texas case.
Zambada is charged in Brooklyn with operating a criminal enterprise, murder conspiracy, drug offenses, and more.
Joaquín Guzmán López, arrested alongside Zambada, has pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and other charges in Chicago.
Zambada, who helped transform the Sinaloa cartel into a major player in the U.S. drug trade, is known for his strategic role and negotiation skills, maintaining a lower profile compared to the more flamboyant Guzmán.
His recent arrest has prompted fears of internal violence within the cartel, leading the Mexican government to deploy 200 special forces to Sinaloa and urge the factions to avoid conflict.
Zambada and Guzman were arrested near El Paso, Texas, on July 25 after arriving from Mexico.
