How cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada was lured to US in elaborate sting

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada is a name that many people recognize in the history of drug trafficking. He is known for being a powerful figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, which is one of the largest and most influential drug cartels in the world. El Mayo, along with Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, helped to establish the Sinaloa Cartel after the Guadalajara Cartel fell apart in 1989. While El Chapo was caught and escaped from prison twice, El Mayo managed to avoid capture for around 35 years. However, that changed recently when he was arrested in El Paso, Texas. He has already pleaded not guilty to several charges in a federal court in Texas. The arrest of El Mayo was the result of a complex sting operation that was orchestrated by the son of his former partner, El Chapo. Joaquin Guzman Lopez, who is one of the heirs to El Chapo's drug empire, was arrested alongside Zambada. He led El Mayo to believe that he was traveling to northern Mexico to inspect potential properties for secret airstrips. In a past interview, Zambada was asked if he was worried about being captured. He responded, 'The idea of being jailed gives me panic. ' He even expressed doubts about whether he could take his own life if faced with imprisonment. Despite his fears, it seems that at 76 years old, he was deceived and captured. It is remarkable that someone who had been so cautious for so many years could be tricked in this way. Mike Vigil, a former DEA agent, commented that it is not surprising that Zambada did not go to the US willingly. He is in his 70s, has poor health, and has previously stated that prison is his greatest fear. The arrests of Zambada and Guzman Lopez raise important questions about the future leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel. After El Chapo was arrested and extradited to the US in 2016, there was a violent struggle for control as rival factions fought for territory and power. A particularly shocking incident occurred in October 2019 when Ovidio Guzman Lopez, El Chapo's son, was arrested. Following his detention, hundreds of armed men attacked the city of Culiacan, targeting civilians, police, and military personnel with heavy weaponry. In the end, authorities decided to release Ovidio back to his men to stop the violence. He was later re-arrested and is currently awaiting trial in a US prison. Mike Vigil believes that this time, the Sinaloa Cartel may avoid a similar explosion of violence. He points out that there are several strong candidates for leadership within the cartel, including El Chapo's brother. Vigil argues that the strategy of targeting individual cartel leaders often leads to internal conflict and bloodshed. If such a situation arises again, the only beneficiaries would likely be their rivals, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In anticipation of potential violence, Mexican authorities have already deployed additional forces to the state of Sinaloa. Another significant question surrounding Zambada's arrest is the timing. The operation was planned for several months, but there were also opportunistic elements that contributed to its success. US Attorney General Merrick Garland stated in a video message that fentanyl poses the deadliest threat to the country, and he assured that the US justice department would not rest until every cartel leader and member responsible for harming communities is held accountable. Fentanyl overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, a staggering statistic that has captured the attention of the Biden administration, especially with elections approaching. Both Los Chapitos and El Mayo have profited immensely from fentanyl, which is easier to produce and transport compared to cocaine. Experts believe that completely shutting down fentanyl smuggling is nearly impossible due to its profitability for the cartels. Nevertheless, US law enforcement aims to weaken the cartels involved in its production and dismantle their leadership. The capture of El Mayo Zambada, despite his age and health issues, is a crucial part of this strategy.