Mexican drug cartel leader enters not guilty plea in New York

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the prominent leader of Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel, entered a not guilty plea on Friday in New York to a 17-count indictment alleging drug trafficking and murder. Zambada, represented by his attorneys, answered routine questions through a Spanish interpreter, insisting he understood the proceedings and documents presented to him and responding that he felt “fine, fine.” He sat quietly in court and left with minimal assistance, following the proceedings calmly.

After being pursued by American authorities for over twenty years, Zambada was taken into U.S. custody on July 25 upon arriving at an El Paso airport in a private plane alongside another cartel leader, Joaquín Guzmán López. Zambada claimed in a letter that he was forcibly taken from Mexico to the U.S. by Guzmán López, son of the imprisoned Sinaloa co-founder Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.

Prosecutors in Brooklyn have requested Zambada’s continued detention until trial, describing him as a globally recognized and dangerous drug trafficker, highlighting his utilization of sophisticated weaponry, private security forces, and hitmen to maintain control over his drug operations, which extended across multiple countries. They also referenced his involvement in ordering the recent murder of his nephew.

Zambada, aged 76, could face a life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted on all charges. His unexpected arrest has sparked clashes within the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, leading to fatalities and disruptions in Culiacan. The conflicts are believed to be a result of rival factions supporting different cartel leaders, including Zambada and sons of “El Chapo” Guzmán.

It remains unclear why Guzmán López surrendered to U.S. authorities and brought Zambada alongside him. Guzmán López is currently awaiting trial in Chicago on a separate drug trafficking indictment, where he has pleaded not guilty to the charges.