El Mayo and Son of El Chapo Arrested in El Paso Drug Bust
Two alleged leaders of the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel, Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo) and Joaquin Guzman Lopez (son of El Chapo), have been apprehended in El Paso, Texas, marking a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking.
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The United States Department of Justice has announced the arrests of Ismael Zambada Garcia, co-founder of the Sinaloa drug cartel, and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of another co-founder, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The arrests took place in El Paso, Texas, and were the culmination of a multi-agency operation.
Zambada Garcia, also known as "El Mayo," was a high-value target for law enforcement with a $15 million reward offered for information leading to his capture. He had evaded authorities for decades and was considered one of the most powerful figures in the Sinaloa Cartel.
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Federal prosecutors charge Guzman Lopez with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl, which is the primary cause of death for Americans aged 18-45. According to the indictment, Guzman Lopez's involvement in the cartel's drug trafficking operations spanned from 1999 to 2024.
The arrests come as part of the United States' intensified efforts to combat the scourge of drug trafficking and its devastating impact on communities. The Sinaloa Cartel is known for its violence and for smuggling massive amounts of narcotics into the United States.
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In a statement, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stressed the Justice Department's commitment to dismantling criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel. "These arrests are an example of the FBI's and our partners' commitment to dismantling violent transnational criminal organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel," said FBI Director Christopher Wray.
The indictment alleges that Zambada Garcia was responsible for overseeing the importation and distribution of vast quantities of narcotics, generating billions of dollars in profits. To protect the cartel's interests, he enlisted "sicarios," or hit men, to carry out kidnappings and murders against rivals.
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The arrests of Zambada Garcia and Guzman Lopez send a strong message that there is no safe haven for drug traffickers. The Justice Department remains steadfast in its pursuit of those responsible for poisoning communities with illicit substances.
The investigation leading to the arrests was a collaborative effort between the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement partners.
In light of Guzman's trial conviction, his name has been removed from the superseding indictment against Zambada Garcia. Reuters contributed to this report.
