Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced the arrests of two alleged leaders of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel on Wednesday. Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as "El Mayo," and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of former cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, were taken into custody in separate operations conducted by Mexican authorities.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the arrests of Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as "El Mayo," and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, alleged leaders of the transnational criminal organization known as the Sinaloa Cartel. The arrests were the result of close collaboration between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies.
DOJ Announces Arrests of Alleged Leaders of Sinaloa Cartel
"These arrests are a major blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its criminal operations, which have had a devastating impact on communities in both Mexico and the United States," said Attorney General Garland. "We will continue to work closely with our Mexican partners to bring to justice those responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs and committing acts of violence."
Zambada Garcia is considered one of the most powerful drug traffickers in the world and has been a top priority target for U.S. law enforcement for decades. He is accused of overseeing the Sinaloa Cartel's drug trafficking activities, including the transportation of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.
Guzman Lopez is the son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel who was extradited to the United States in 2017 and is serving a life sentence plus 30 years in prison. Guzman Lopez is accused of playing a significant role in the cartel's operations, including overseeing drug distribution and money laundering activities.
The arrests were made possible through the coordinated efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Mexican Attorney General's Office (FGR), the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), and the Mexican Navy.
The DEA has been investigating the Sinaloa Cartel for decades and has worked closely with Mexican law enforcement to disrupt the organization's activities. The FGR has been responsible for investigating and prosecuting the cartel's leaders, while the SEDENA and the Mexican Navy have provided operational support for the investigation.
The arrests are a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. They demonstrate the commitment of the United States and Mexico to combatting transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from the devastating effects of drugs and violence.
The U.S. government will continue to work closely with its Mexican partners to bring to justice those responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs and committing acts of violence. The United States is committed to supporting Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime and strengthen the rule of law, and to promoting the safety and security of both countries.
The arrests of Zambada Garcia and Guzman Lopez are a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Mexico law enforcement partnership and the unwavering commitment of both countries to combating transnational criminal organizations.
The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world, and it is responsible for a significant amount of the drugs that enter the United States. The cartel is also known for its use of violence, including the murder of law enforcement officers and journalists.
The arrests of Zambada Garcia and Guzman Lopez are a significant step in the fight against the Sinaloa Cartel, and they are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
The United States and Mexico will continue to work together to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect communities from the devastating effects of drugs and violence.
