El Paso, Texas, July 25, 2024, The Europe Today: Two prominent figures of the notorious Sinaloa cartel were arrested in Texas on Thursday, according to the US Justice Department.
Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as ‘El Mayo,’ co-founder of the cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, a son of the cartel’s other co-founder, were apprehended in El Paso, Texas. US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the arrests, highlighting their significance in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking.
Zambada, believed to be a key leader responsible for much of the cartel’s daily operations, has been an influential figure in the organization since the 1970s.
Background on the Sinaloa Cartel
Attorney General Garland described the Sinaloa cartel as “one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.” Originating in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, the cartel is responsible for countless deaths due to its violent turf wars, conflicts with Mexican authorities, and the smuggling of lethal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States.
Since the Mexican government launched a military campaign against drug gangs in 2006, more than 450,000 people have been killed in related violence. In the United States, over 107,000 people died from drug overdoses in 2023, with approximately 70% of these deaths linked to fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” Garland stated. “The Justice Department will not rest until every single cartel leader, member, and associate responsible for poisoning our communities is held accountable.”
A Major Blow to the Cartel
The arrests of Zambada and Guzman Lopez mark a significant blow to the Sinaloa cartel. In 2019, the cartel’s leader and founder, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, was convicted of running what was believed to be the world’s largest drug syndicate.
Zambada, who maintained a lower profile compared to his notorious boss, has managed to evade prison time despite being a primary target for US authorities for decades. In February, a New York district court charged him with conspiring to produce and distribute fentanyl, further solidifying his role as a central figure in the cartel’s operations.
A reward of $15 million had been offered for information leading to Zambada’s arrest, reflecting the high stakes involved in bringing him to justice.
Thursday’s arrests underscore the ongoing efforts of US law enforcement to dismantle the Sinaloa cartel and curb the devastating impact of drug trafficking on American communities.
