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Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Other Charges
Former Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia pleaded guilty on Monday to federal charges stemming from his role as a co-founder of the notorious cartel. The charges include drug trafficking, gun offenses, and money laundering.
Zambada admitted guilt to one count of racketeering conspiracy and one count of running a continuing criminal enterprise, according to the Justice Department. This plea change comes after initially pleading not guilty, with prosecutors signaling his intention to change his plea last week.
During Monday’s court hearing, Zambada expressed remorse for his actions, stating through a Spanish interpreter, “I recognize the great harm illegal drugs have done to the people in the United States and Mexico. I apologize for all of it, and I take responsibility for my actions.”
Indictments filed against Zambada in both New York and Texas detailed his involvement, along with other Sinaloa cartel leaders, in distributing massive amounts of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and other illicit drugs into the United States.
Zambada’s sentencing is scheduled for January 13th, where he is expected to receive a prison sentence. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “El Mayo will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
He will die in a US federal prison where he belongs.” She emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to combating drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The 77-year-old Zambada led the Sinaloa Cartel alongside Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Lopez until their arrests. Zambada was apprehended in July 2024 at an El Paso, Texas airfield.
Beyond drug smuggling, Zambada allegedly oversaw a vast network of individuals across Central and South America, Mexico, and the United States to facilitate drug distribution. Prosecutors also allege his involvement in employing hitmen to eliminate threats to the cartel’s multi-billion dollar operations. Prior to his plea agreement, Zambada faced a mandatory minimum life sentence if convicted.