By In a breakthrough for US law enforcement, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa cartel, and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the infamous “El Chapo” Guzmán, were arrested by US authorities in El Paso, Texas on Thursday. The US Justice Department announced the arrests, marking a significant blow to one of the world’s most powerful drug trafficking organizations.
Zambada, known for his low profile and strategic acumen, has been a central figure in the Sinaloa cartel since the 1970s. Operating alongside Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán for decades, Zambada was instrumental in running the cartel’s extensive smuggling operations. His capture comes after years of pursuit by US authorities, who had offered a substantial reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the importance of these arrests, stating, “Zambada and Guzmán López are facing multiple charges for leading the cartel’s criminal operations, including its deadly fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking networks.” Garland further stressed the severity of the fentanyl crisis, describing it as “the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced.”
Zambada’s career in the drug trade spans several decades. Starting as an enforcer in the 1970s, he rose through the ranks to become a major player in the Juarez cartel by the early 1990s. His ability to forge alliances with Colombian traffickers and navigate the complex world of cartel politics eventually led him to the top of the Sinaloa Cartel alongside “El Chapo” Guzmán.
Unlike his more flamboyant counterparts, Zambada was known for his old-school approach to cartel leadership. He focused more on the business side of trafficking, avoiding the gruesome violence that often drew attention to other cartel figures. His reputation for largesse in his home state of Sinaloa, where he reportedly sponsored local farmers and distributed money, helped secure loyalty among the local population.
The arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López, one of “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons, is equally significant. The younger Guzmán is part of a group known as the “Chapitos,” who have been identified as major exporters of fentanyl to the US market. Their faction of the cartel has been noted for its more violent and ostentatious approach compared to Zambada’s operations.
These arrests follow a series of recent law enforcement successes against the Sinaloa cartel. In 2021, one of Zambada’s sons pleaded guilty in US federal court to being a cartel leader. More recently, Ovidio Guzmán López, another son of “El Chapo,” was arrested and extradited to the US, pleading not guilty to drug trafficking charges in Chicago last September.
While these arrests represent a significant victory for US law enforcement, experts caution that their impact on the overall drug trade may be limited. Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the DEA, commented, “This is a great blow for the rule of law, but is it going to have an impact on the cartel? I don’t think so.” Vigil explained that the hierarchical structure of cartels often allows for quick replacement of leadership, potentially minimizing disruption to their operations.
The arrests of Zambada and Guzmán López highlight the ongoing challenges in combating international drug trafficking. As US authorities celebrate this victory, questions remain about the long-term effects on the Sinaloa cartel’s operations and the broader implications for the global drug trade.
As the legal proceedings against these cartel leaders unfold, their cases will likely provide valuable insights into the inner workings of one of the world’s most powerful criminal organizations. The international community will be watching closely to see how these arrests might reshape the landscape of drug trafficking and impact the flow of narcotics, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.
