US Will Not Seek Death Penalty for Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder

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

According to a document filed in a New York court, Attorney General Pam Bondi requested that the death penalty not be imposed on Zambada.

Zambada, along with "El Chapo," founded the Sinaloa Cartel. Zambada claims he was kidnapped and transported against his will to the United States.

Following his arrest, clashes erupted between factions of the cartel, resulting in hundreds of deaths. "El Chapo" is serving a life sentence, while one of his sons has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Zambada pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including murder, arms trafficking, and drug trafficking. The Sinaloa Cartel is accused of trafficking fentanyl, which is linked to many overdose deaths.

The Sinaloa Cartel has been designated as a "terrorist" organization by the United States.

Source: AΠΕ