Mexican Drug Lord Claims Betrayal in Dramatic US Capture
Ismael Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, alleges he was tricked and forcibly taken to the US. His account contradicts official statements, adding complexity to the high-profile arrest.
In a startling turn of events, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, co-founder of the notorious Sinaloa Cartel, has claimed he was deceived and forcibly transported to the United States last month. This revelation comes from a statement released by Zambada's lawyer on August 10, 2024, shedding new light on the circumstances surrounding his capture.
According to Zambada, he was lured into a meeting with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of the infamous Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, and Sinaloa state officials. The encounter, which was supposed to include Governor Ruben Rocha and newly elected federal lawmaker Hector Cuen, took an unexpected turn.
Zambada recounts being led into a dark room by Guzman Lopez, whom he had known since childhood. Once inside, he claims he was ambushed, restrained, and forcibly taken to a nearby airstrip. The drug lord alleges that Guzman Lopez personally bound him to a seat on a plane, which then departed for the United States with only the two men and a pilot on board.
This account starkly contrasts with the official narrative. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has stated that Guzman Lopez surrendered voluntarily, while suggesting Zambada's transfer may have been involuntary. The Guzman family's lawyer has consistently denied any forced removal, instead describing the event as a voluntary surrender following extended negotiations with U.S. authorities.
The Sinaloa Cartel, co-founded by Zambada, is one of the world's largest and most powerful drug trafficking organizations. It is believed to control up to 60% of Mexico's drug trade and has operations in over 50 countries. Zambada, known for his low profile, had managed to evade capture for decades, unlike many of his high-profile counterparts.
The capture of these two significant figures in the drug trade has potential far-reaching implications. Historically, the arrest of high-ranking cartel members has often led to power struggles and increased violence within these criminal organizations.
"I was ambushed during what was supposed to be a meeting with Guzman Lopez and Sinaloa state officials. I followed Guzman Lopez, trusting the nature of the meeting and the people involved, only to be led into a trap."
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Zambada claims that Hector Cuen was killed during the incident, and that a state police officer and bodyguard accompanying him have not been seen since. Sinaloa authorities had previously reported that Cuen was believed to have been killed in an unrelated carjacking incident in Culiacan.
As of now, both Zambada and Guzman Lopez have entered not guilty pleas to drug-trafficking charges in U.S. court. The unfolding of this high-profile case continues to captivate attention, highlighting the ongoing challenges in combating international drug trafficking operations.
