Sinaloa Cartel Leaders Arrested in Texas: Zambada's Capture Ends Decades of Evasion
July 26, 2024
Joaquín Guzmán Lopez and Ismael Zambada Garcia, prominent leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, were arrested in El Paso, Texas, due to their roles in the cartel's fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking operations.
Zambada, who has evaded capture for decades, faces multiple charges in the U.S., including drug conspiracy, murder, and money laundering.
Unlike many of his counterparts, Zambada is known for his business-like approach to drug trafficking, focusing on operations rather than resorting to extreme violence.
The joint operation by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to apprehend Zambada had been in progress for several months, highlighting the extensive planning involved.
U.S. authorities had long sought Zambada, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture, making him one of the most wanted drug lords in Latin America.
Reports indicate that Guzmán Lopez played a role in Zambada's capture by luring him onto a plane under false pretenses, suggesting a potential betrayal within the cartel.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador acknowledged the arrests but expressed concerns about potential power vacuums in the cartel world that could lead to instability.
In anticipation of possible violence following Zambada's arrest, Mexican authorities have deployed additional forces to Sinaloa to maintain order.
Experts suggest that while Zambada's arrest is significant, it may not substantially disrupt the Sinaloa Cartel's drug trade operations, as new leaders are likely to emerge.
This ongoing story is expected to develop further, with more updates anticipated regarding the implications of these high-profile arrests.
Summary based on 45 sources
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Sources

The New York Times • Jul 26, 2024
2 Top Leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, Including ‘El Mayo,’ in U.S. Custody
The Guardian • Jul 26, 2024
Top leaders of powerful Sinaloa drug cartel arrested in Texas
Insider • Jul 26, 2024
US feds nabbed cartel leader after El Chapo's son tricked him
BBC News • Jul 26, 2024
Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada: Mexican drug lord arrested in US