Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Garcia Pleads Guilty to Racketeering
Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Garcia Pleads Guilty to Racketeering
Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Garcia, 75, a long-time co-founder and principal leader of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, has pleaded guilty to charges including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and racketeering. This significant development marks a major blow to one of the world’s most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations.
Zambada Garcia, whose reign ended with his arrest in July 2024, admitted his role in orchestrating the importation of vast quantities of narcotics—including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl—into the United States. He also confessed to overseeing the laundering of billions of dollars in drug proceeds back to Mexico, maintaining the cartel’s operations through brutal violence, intimidation, and systemic corruption.
Department of Justice officials emphasized the plea as a crucial victory in the ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations and safeguard American communities from the devastating impact of illegal drugs and associated violence. Agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and HSI highlighted the outcome as a testament to years of intensive investigative work and international cooperation.
As part of his plea agreement, Zambada Garcia has consented to a $15 billion forfeiture money judgment. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, with his sentencing scheduled for January 13, 2026. This conviction ensures that, much like his co-conspirator Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, Zambada Garcia will spend the remainder of his life incarcerated in a U.S. federal prison.
The prosecution, a collaborative effort involving multiple U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section, underscores a comprehensive government approach aimed at eradicating Mexican drug cartels and holding their leaders accountable in American courtrooms.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.