Top Leaders of Sinaloa Cartel Arrested in Texas

Ismael Mayo Zambada Garcia, the notorious leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, was arrested in El Paso, Texas, marking a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the U.S. Zambada, who had evaded capture for decades and was subject to a $15 million bounty, was apprehended alongside Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of infamous drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán. The arrests were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice, which stated that both men are key figures in the cartel's fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking operations. The arrests come amid intensified efforts by U.S. authorities to combat the influx of fentanyl, a drug linked to a surge in overdose deaths among Americans aged 18 to 45. Zambada, 76, has been a central figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, overseeing the trafficking of various drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine. His capture is seen as a major victory for law enforcement, particularly as he had never spent time in jail despite his extensive criminal history. The relationship between Zambada and the Guzmán family has been fraught with tension since El Chapo's extradition to the U.S. in 2017. The arrest of both leaders could lead to further instability within the cartel, which has already been experiencing violent power struggles. U.S. authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as the cartel's internal conflicts may escalate following the loss of its top leaders.