Mexico Probes Alleged Crimes in High-Profile Drug Lords' Arrest

Mexican authorities have initiated an investigation into potential crimes associated with the recent arrest of two prominent drug lords in the United States. The inquiry focuses on Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who were apprehended near El Paso, Texas, in late July 2024.

Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, and Guzman Lopez, son of the infamous Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, have provided conflicting accounts of their capture. Zambada, who is in his late 70s, claims he was deceived and ambushed, while Guzman Lopez, approximately 38 years old, asserts it was a voluntary surrender following negotiations with U.S. authorities.

The Mexican federal attorney general's office is examining possible offenses including:

• Murder
• Kidnapping
• Unlawful detainment
• Illicit use of aircraft and aerospace facilities
• Immigration and customs violations

These alleged crimes are part of a broader investigation involving the two drug lords.

Zambada's account, shared through his lawyer on August 10, 2024, suggests he was lured to a meeting in Sinaloa state, the cartel's stronghold. He claims that Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha and newly elected federal lawmaker Hector Cuen were supposed to attend. However, Governor Rocha stated he was not in Mexico at the time, while Zambada alleges Cuen was killed at the meeting location.

The federal attorney general's office has requested Governor Rocha's testimony and seeks to bring the investigation of Cuen's death under federal jurisdiction. Authorities have conducted searches at the alleged meeting site, a nearby airstrip, and the airport outside El Paso.

"My client was deceived and ambushed under the pretense of a meeting with local officials. This was not a voluntary surrender, but a calculated trap."

The Sinaloa Cartel, founded in 1989, has long been considered one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations globally. It is estimated to control up to 40-60% of Mexico's drug trade and has a presence in over 50 countries. The cartel is known for its extensive use of tunnels for smuggling and has diversified its criminal activities to include human trafficking and money laundering.

Zambada's arrest marks a significant development, as he had evaded capture for decades. The U.S. government had previously offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest. This event follows the 2017 capture and extradition of El Chapo, who is currently serving a life sentence plus 30 years in a U.S. prison.

As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the complex interplay between drug cartels and local authorities in Mexico. The case also underscores the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in the region, despite high-profile arrests.