The U.S. ambassador to Mexico has confirmed that Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent figure in the Sinaloa cartel, was brought to the United States against his will. Zambada arrived in July on a plane in Texas alongside fellow drug lord Joaquín Guzmán López. Initially, Zambada's attorney claimed that he had been kidnapped, but this was not officially confirmed. Speculation arose due to Zambada's age and apparent ill-health, with some suggesting he may have turned himself in.
However, U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar stated on Friday that Zambada was indeed brought against his will. Salazar clarified that no U.S. personnel, resources, or aircraft were involved in the flight during which Guzmán López surrendered himself. Zambada made his second appearance in federal court in Texas in early August after being taken into U.S. custody the previous week.
Guzmán López, the son of the notorious drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, arrived at an airport near El Paso on July 25 along with Zambada. Both individuals were arrested and are currently in jail. They face various drug-related charges in the United States.
