The former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, is currently in the custody of U.S. authorities and faces a crucial trial that could determine his fate. Despite the abolition of the death penalty in New York since 2004, Zambada could face capital punishment at the federal level if it is determined that he played a key role in the distribution of fentanyl or in terrorism-related crimes.
Zambada, who was arrested in July 2024 by the DEA with the collaboration of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of "El Chapo" Guzmán, has expressed his fear of the death penalty in a letter obtained by Reforma. In this letter, Zambada requests his repatriation to Mexico to avoid the death penalty in the United States and raises concerns about the trafficking of fentanyl, an opioid responsible for numerous overdose deaths in the North American country.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, referred to Zambada's situation during the People's Morning Press Conference on February 21, 2025. She highlighted that the case is being handled by the Attorney General's Office and emphasized the importance of questioning the manner in which the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel was detained. Sheinbaum stressed the need for the Mexican government to intervene firmly to prevent the death penalty for Zambada and ensure a fair legal process.
El Mayo Zambada faces 17 charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, drug trafficking, and possession of firearms. His legal situation is delicate, and the potential application of the death penalty in his case has generated tensions between Mexico and the United States. The trafficking of fentanyl into the United States is presented as a determining factor in Zambada's case, further complicating his legal situation.
