In the world of drug trafficking, the tale of El Mayo and his son has recently resurfaced with a new indictment that sheds light on their differing paths. Ismael Zambada Garcia, famously known as “El Mayo,” is the current leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, which controls a significant portion of the illegal drug trade in Chicago. On the other hand, El Mayo’s son, Jesús Vicente Zambada Niebla, known as “El Vicentillo,” has turned against the cartel and is now in witness protection.
The fifth superseding indictment filed against El Mayo emphasizes the information provided by his son to authorities throughout the years. El Vicentillo pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in November 2018 and was subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison. This new indictment builds upon the revelations made by El Vicentillo from his jail cell in Chicago.
The Sinaloa Cartel, led by El Mayo, has long been a dominant force in drug sales in Chicago, controlling around 80 percent of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl sales, according to federal authorities. El Chapo, the infamous kingpin of the cartel, is serving a life sentence at the Supermax prison in Colorado. Meanwhile, El Mayo has taken over the reins of power and acts as the overlord of the cartel.
El Mayo has been under indictment in Chicago for fifteen years and is considered a career fugitive with a $15 million bounty on his head. Despite this, capturing him remains a difficult task due to his alleged protection and elusive nature. Jack Riley, a former head of the Drug Enforcement Administration outpost in Chicago, expressed skepticism about the possibility of apprehending El Mayo, citing his ability to stay ahead of law enforcement and his deteriorating health.
El Vicentillo, on the other hand, is believed to be in witness protection in the United States. During his sentencing in 2019, the courthouse in Chicago was heavily guarded with armed personnel. Recently, a Mexican newspaper published a purported photo of El Vicentillo at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, allegedly being escorted by authorities while being transferred to federal witness protection. Given the circumstances, it is understandable that El Vicentillo would seek the safety provided by witness protection.
Riley highlights the breakdown of alliances within the Sinaloa Cartel since El Chapo’s arrest, emphasizing that El Vicentillo has many enemies due to his cooperation with authorities. Riley advocates for designating the cartel as a terrorist organization rather than just a drug trafficking group. This designation would potentially provide additional resources and allow for more aggressive tactics to be used against cartel leaders.
The story of El Mayo and his son showcases the complexities and dangers of the illicit drug trade. It highlights the contrasting paths taken by family members and the potential consequences faced by those who choose to cooperate with law enforcement. As the authorities continue their pursuit of justice, it remains to be seen how this narco tale will unfold.
