Frank Perez, the lawyer for Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, informed the Los Angeles Times that his client was kidnapped by Joaquin Guzman Lopez and forcibly taken to the United States, where both were subsequently arrested.
The newspaper reported that Zambada was “ambushed,” thrown to the ground, and handcuffed by six men in military uniforms alongside Guzmán López, the son of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, who is currently serving a life sentence in the United States.
Perez’s message to the newspaper stated that Zambada was thrown into the back of a pickup truck and taken to a landing strip.
He was then coerced onto a plane, with his legs bound and his head covered with a black bag.
Eventually, he was flown to the United States, where he was arrested near El Paso, Texas, according to Perez’s message to the LA Times.
Pérez emphasized that his client did not voluntarily surrender to U.S. authorities, as was initially reported after the announcement of the arrests of Zambada and Guzmán López on Thursday.
The article also referenced unnamed sources within the U.S. justice system, who claimed that Zambada, who had boasted about never having been arrested, was “tricked” into being transported to the United States.
Charges Against ‘El Mayo’ and Guzmán López in the U.S.
When announcing the arrests of both Zambada and Guzmán López, the Justice Department stated that they face charges linked to their involvement in the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations, including fentanyl production.
The day after the arrests, the Mexican government stated it was unaware of the operation and had only been informed of the arrests by telephone by the U.S. Embassy.
A federal judge has reportedly scheduled Zambada’s court appearance in El Paso for late July. His attorney mentioned on Friday that “El Mayo” has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Guzmán López, part of the “Los Chapitos” faction made up of “El Chapo’s” sons, is expected to be transferred to Chicago, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
Ovidio Guzmán López, known as “El Raton,” was extradited from Mexico to Chicago in September to face drug trafficking charges, with reports suggesting he could go to trial in federal court in that city.
The Route of ‘El Mayo’ and Guzmán López to the USA
Sources indicate that ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Guzmán López traveled in a small plane from Culiacán, Sinaloa, to Hermosillo, Sonora.
Once in Sonora, they reportedly changed aircraft. From there, they continued their journey to Santa Teresa, New Mexico, where they were ultimately apprehended.
The Internal Conflict Rising in the Sinaloa Cartel
Experts believe that the arrest of Zambada and Guzmán López could trigger an internal war for control of the Sinaloa Cartel, among factions that have been vying for power in the criminal organization since the fall of ‘El Chapo.’
In anticipation of potential violence, the Mexican government has deployed 200 military personnel to the state of Sinaloa, a stronghold of the cartel.
This was the route taken by the plane that transported ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López to the U.S.
Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada: A Complicated Kidnapping and Arrest Case
In a dramatic turn of events, Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada’s lawyer, Frank Perez, has claimed that his client was forcibly kidnapped by Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of notorious drug lord Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán. This shocking revelation has drawn significant attention, leading to his arrest alongside Guzmán López near El Paso, Texas. Here, we delve into the details surrounding Zambada’s kidnapping and subsequent apprehension, as well as the broader implications for the Sinaloa Cartel.
Details of the Kidnapping
According to reports from the Los Angeles Times, Zambada was “ambushed” when six men in military uniforms attacked him. He was thrown to the ground and handcuffed in a swift operation that also involved Guzmán López.
- Initial Capture: Zambada was reportedly thrown into the back of a pickup truck.
- Transport to the US: After being forcibly taken to a landing strip, he was made to board a plane with his legs tied and a black bag over his head.
- Final Arrest: He was arrested in the United States shortly after arriving near El Paso.
Perez staunchly maintains that Zambada did not voluntarily surrender to U.S. authorities, countering earlier reports that suggested otherwise.
Legal Charges Against ‘El Mayo’ and Guzmán López
Following their arrests, both Zambada and Guzmán López face serious Federal charges linked to their activities within the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly concerning the production and trafficking of fentanyl.
- Fentanyl Trafficking: The Justice Department has accused them of being heavily involved in the distribution of this powerful opioid.
- Notable Background: Zambada had previously boasted about his inability to be arrested, making this turn of events even more notable.
The Mexican government has stated it was not informed about the operation prior to the arrests. They were only notified by the U.S. Embassy, highlighting potential international tensions related to drug enforcement operations.
Upcoming Court Appearance and Legal Proceedings
A federal judge has set a court date for Zambada’s appearance in El Paso, with his attorney declaring that “El Mayo” has entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him.
| Defendant | Charges | Location of Court | Plea |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada | Fentanyl Trafficking | El Paso, Texas | Not Guilty |
| Joaquín Guzmán López | Drug Trafficking | Chicago, Illinois | To Be Determined |
Trajectory to the United States
Sources indicate that Zambada and Guzmán López were initially flown from Culiacán, Sinaloa, to Hermosillo, Sonora. After transferring to a second aircraft, they headed towards Santa Teresa, New Mexico, where they were ultimately apprehended.
Key Locations in the Kidnapping
- Culiacán, Sinaloa: Starting point of their journey.
- Hermosillo, Sonora: Location where they changed planes.
- Santa Teresa, New Mexico: Final destination before arrest.
Potential Impact on the Sinaloa Cartel
The arrests of Zambada and Guzmán López may signal a shift in power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel. Experts worry that this could spark an internal war, as various factions vie for supremacy following El Chapo’s downfall.
- Power Struggles: Observers note that multiple groups within the cartel have been at odds since ‘El Chapo’s imprisonment.
- Government Response: In anticipation of possible violence, the Mexican government has deployed 200 military personnel to Sinaloa.
Conclusion
The kidnapping of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada and his subsequent arrest highlight the complexities of law enforcement and cartel dynamics in Mexico and beyond. As legal proceedings unfold, the ramifications of these events could reshape the future operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and the drug trade at large.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and for further insights into the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in North America.