Two leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa drug cartel have been captured by the United States in a significant blow to one of the most deadly global drug trafficking networks, particularly known for its distribution of the lethal synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
In a daring undercover operation, the two bosses of the high-profile cartel known for its international networks were apprehended when their private jet landed in Texas, a US state bordering Mexico.
The US press made the information public following an initial brief announcement about their arrest made by the US Department of Justice early Friday morning.
Cartel leader lured onto plane under false pretences
Named among the arrested individuals is Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of the notorious drug lord 'El Chapo,' who is currently held in the US. Guzman Lopez allegedly persuaded Ismael Zambada Garcia, aka 'El Mayo,' the co-founder of the cartel, to board a plane purportedly heading for southern Mexico. However, the aircraft headed north, landing in El Paso, Texas, US media outlets report.
US officials revealed to the New York Times that Guzman Lopez lured 'El Mayo' onto the plane under false pretences. Guzman Lopez, now in his thirties, surrendered and 'El Mayo,' aged 76, was taken into custody, according to Washington.
According to court documents, Zambada Garcia pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking and laundering charges when he appeared before a Texas federal judge on Friday. His lawyer told the Los Angeles Times that his client “did not surrender voluntarily.”
The next court hearing is set for 31 July.
Mexico's government not involved in the operation
In a statement on Friday, US President Joe Biden expressed satisfaction at the capture of “two of the highest-profile leaders of the Sinaloa cartel, one of the world’s deadliest organisations.” Highlighting the scourge of fentanyl, he lamented the overwhelming number of people who have lost their lives due to the synthetic opioid.
The opioid, which claims numerous lives in the US, is “the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” Justice Minister Merrick Garland said.
Mexico’s government was not involved in the operation and is now requesting more information about it, with President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador seeking “a full report”, “respect,” and “transparency” from the US.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez, Mexican Security Minister, expressed confusion about the arrest and asked whether 'El Mayo' had been “caught” or had “surrendered.”
Captured drug boss said to prefer business over violence
Anne Milgram, head of the DEA, the US national anti-drug agency, congratulated her team for striking at “the heart of the cartel responsible for the majority of drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, which kill Americans” and for dealing “another severe blow to the Sinaloa cartel.”
Joaquin Guzman Lopez is one of the sons of 'El Chapo' Guzman, who co-founded the Sinaloa cartel. 'El Chapo' is serving a life sentence in the USA following his 2019 conviction, while another son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, was extradited to the US in 2023. According to US authorities, several of 'El Chapo’s' sons, known as the 'Chapitos,' inherited control of the organisation.
'El Mayo' is considered one of Mexico’s most famous drug traffickers, according to an analysis by InSight Crime, although he is known for his low-profile approach and preference for business over violence.
Drug abuse, violence take heavy toll on both sides of the border
The US recorded more than 107,000 drug overdose deaths in 2023, approximately 70% of which were due to fentanyl, according to official figures.
In Mexico, drug-related violence continues to wreak havoc, with over 450,000 people killed since the government launched a military offensive against drug cartels in 2006.
The victims include security forces and journalists.
Born in the northwestern state of Sinaloa, Mexico, the drug cartel “has forged ties at the highest levels of the Mexican federal police and the military,” according to Insight Crime.
