US Will Not Seek Death Penalty for Drug Lord 'El Mayo'

The U.S. Department of Justice has decided not to seek the death penalty for Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel. The 77-year-old was arrested in Texas in July 2024 and remains in custody.

Federal prosecutor Joseph Nosella stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi requested that the death penalty not be pursued. 'El Mayo,' for years one of the most wanted criminals in the U.S., is requesting repatriation, claiming his arrest was illegal.

Zambada, a former associate of 'El Chapo,' claims he was kidnapped by one of the latter's sons and transported to the U.S. against his will. Following his arrest, clashes broke out between factions of the Sinaloa cartel.

'El Chapo' is serving a life sentence in the U.S., while two of his sons are also in custody. Ovidio Guzman, one of the sons, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. Ismael Zambada has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges against him.

'El Mayo' and 'El Chapo' are the co-founders of the Sinaloa cartel, which is accused of trafficking fentanyl.