Mexican Drug Cartel Leader “El Mayo” Zambada Claims Forced Kidnapping in U.S. Custody

Mexican Drug Cartel Leader Claims Kidnapping upon Arrival in the U.S.

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a powerful leader of a Mexican drug cartel, has been arrested in the United States. Zambada had managed to elude authorities for decades, never setting foot in prison until recently. He was apprehended when a plane carrying him and Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of notorious drug kingpin “El Chapo,” landed in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Zambada’s lawyer, Frank Perez, vehemently denies that his client willingly flew into the country. According to Perez, Zambada was forcibly kidnapped by Guzmán López. The lawyer claims that Zambada was ambushed, thrown to the ground, handcuffed, and had a black bag placed over his head. He was then thrown into the back of a pickup truck, forced onto a plane, and tied to a seat by Guzmán López.

The arrest of Zambada is significant due to his reputation as an astute operator skilled at corrupting officials. He has the ability to negotiate with anyone, including rivals, making him a crucial figure within the cartel. He is facing multiple drug charges in the U.S., including in New York and California. A new indictment was brought against him in New York in February, labeling him as the “principal leader of the criminal enterprise responsible for importing enormous quantities of narcotics into the United States.”

The removal of Zambada from the criminal landscape is expected to cause a power struggle within the cartel and potentially pave the way for a more violent, younger generation of Sinaloa traffickers to rise to prominence. The arrest or elimination of other kingpins in the past has resulted in internal wars for control.

Perez has declined to provide further details about the incident, stating that Zambada was traveling with minimal security when he was called to a meeting with Guzmán López. The lawyer’s allegations were reported by the Los Angeles Times.

The U.S. Justice Department has not yet responded to Perez’s claims, and court records do not list an attorney for Guzmán López. However, a law enforcement official familiar with the matter, speaking anonymously, stated that Zambada was deceived into flying into the U.S. The official did not disclose who influenced Zambada or where he believed he was going.

Zambada appeared in federal court in El Paso, where he was informed of the charges against him and his rights. He is currently being held without bond and has pleaded not guilty to the drug trafficking charges. His next court hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

The arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada marks a significant blow to the Mexican drug cartel and could have far-reaching implications for the criminal landscape in the region. As the story unfolds, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the alleged kidnapping and the potential consequences of Zambada’s arrest.