Ismael Mayo Zambada Garcia, Leader of Sinaloa Cartel, Arrested in Texas

Ismael Mayo Zambada Garcia, the infamous leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, has been apprehended in El Paso, Texas, marking a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. Zambada, who had evaded capture for decades and was subject to a $15 million bounty, was arrested at a private airport. The operation also led to the detention of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the notorious Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed the arrests, highlighting the Justice Department's commitment to holding cartel leaders accountable. The crackdown on Zambada comes amid heightened efforts by U.S. authorities to combat the influx of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has become the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45. In February, prosecutors initiated a new case against Zambada for his role in manufacturing and distributing fentanyl. The Justice Department noted that Zambada and Guzmán López are part of a broader initiative to dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel, which has been responsible for widespread violence and drug trafficking. Zambada's criminal career is notable for his ability to evade law enforcement, having never spent a day in jail despite his extensive history as a drug trafficker. His son, Vicente Zambada Niebla, was arrested in 2009 and later extradited to the U.S., where he served time. The recent arrests signal a potential shift in the long-standing power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel, as U.S. authorities intensify their efforts to disrupt its operations.