Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada Recognized as a Leader in Drug Trafficking Cases

• Zambada is recognized as a leader in drug trafficking cases
• Prosecutors will not seek a life sentence
• The Sinaloa cartel has become the largest in the world under his leadership

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada is the former leader of the Mexican drug cartel Sinaloa. He plans to recognize his role in federal indictments related to drug trafficking during a hearing in federal court in Brooklyn.

It is known that the 77-year-old Zambada, who was arrested in Texas last year, will appear before the judge on Monday. Prosecutors reported that they would not seek a life sentence for him. In the court filing, it is stated that he likely recognizes his role as a defendant in connection with the racketeering and ongoing criminal enterprise.

Previously, Zambada did not acknowledge himself as guilty of the low-level charges that included drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and money laundering. Prosecutors assert that under his leadership, the Sinaloa cartel became the largest drug trafficking organization in the world.

Zambada and his associate Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán had a vast network of drug trafficking with armed guards and "sicarios" — hitmen who carried out orders for killings, thefts, and kidnappings. Guzmán was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019.

Tags: Crime