The son of "El Chapo"
Surprisingly, the son of his former partner, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, is believed to be behind the arrest of the notorious drug boss "El Mayo" Zambada. According to his attorney, "El Chapo's" son Joaquin Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms ambushed Zambada near Culiacan in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, forced him into a plane, and against his will brought him to the United States.
Notorious drug boss Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was reportedly forcibly kidnapped by "El Chapo's" son Joaquin Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms, according to his attorney Frank Perez. Perez stated before the Federal Court in El Paso, Texas on Friday: "El Chapo's" son Joaquin Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms ambushed Zambada near Culiacan in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, forced him into a plane, and against his will brought him to the United States. They were both arrested there.
The incident caused problems for Zambada with his back and legs. Zambada, who appeared in a wheelchair before court during the initial hearing, pleaded not guilty in relation to drug charges against him. Guzman Lopez's attorney Jeffrey Lichtman declined to comment on the kidnapping allegations. The US Department of Justice and the Mexican President's Office were unavailable for comment.
The arrest of the leaders of one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world was a major success for US law enforcement. Zambada is one of the biggest drug dealers in Mexican history. The relationship between him and "El Chapo's" sons was reportedly tense, since his father was extradited to the United States in 2017. "El Chapo" is serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison in Colorado.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez is scheduled to appear before a Federal Court in Chicago for the first time next week, where he is charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. Zambada is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.
Allegedly months-long planning
US media reported earlier, citing law enforcement sources, that Zambada had been deceived and lured into a trap. The "Wall Street Journal" reported that he had boarded a private plane with Guzman Lopez, thinking they would visit secret landing strips in Mexico. Instead, the plane crossed the border into the US and landed on a small airfield in Texas, where they were both arrested.
The "New York Times" reported that Guzman Lopez had lured Zambada into the plane himself. The operation was allegedly months in the planning, according to the reports. Mexican media, however, reported that the two had voluntarily surrendered to the US authorities - possibly as part of a deal with the justice system. In contrast to other drug lords who loved to flaunt their extravagant luxury lifestyles, Zambada lived very discreetly and quietly, it was reported.
At the same time, the 76-year-old former partner of "El Chapo" had extensively bribed politicians and law enforcement officers. This is why he had never been caught in his over 50 years in the drug trade. Outwardly, he had given himself the image of a wealthy rancher.
The allegations of Zambada's kidnapping bring up questions about international law enforcement cooperation in the United States and Mexico's drug war. The United States Department of Justice has yet to comment on the role of "El Chapo's" son in Zambada's arrest.
The arrest of Zambada, a notorious figure in the Mexico's drug war, could potentially result in significant judgments against him in international drug trafficking and money laundering cases. The United States justice system is now responsible for determining his guilt or innocence in relation to these charges.
The arrest of "El Mayo" Zambada marks a significant shift in power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel, given his long-standing role in the organization. It remains to be seen how this will impact the drug war in Mexico and relations between Mexico and the United States.
The overarching objective of the international community should be to ensure that justice is served, regardless of who is involved in the drug war. The focus should be on dismantling drug cartels and holding those responsible for drugs trafficking and related crimes accountable for their actions.
