Former Mexican cartel leader 'El Mayo' Zambada pleads guilty to US drug trafficking charges

Ismael Zambada Garcia, 75, previously pleaded not guilty but told prosecutors last week he would change his plea

By Beril Canakci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Former Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada Garcia pleaded guilty to US federal charges, including running a continuing criminal enterprise and racketeering, according to the Justice Department.

Zambada Garcia, 75, previously pleaded not guilty but informed federal prosecutors last week that he intended to change his plea, said court filings.

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement that Zambada Garcia “committed horrific crimes against the American people -- he will now pay for those crimes by spending the rest of his life behind bars in an American prison.”

The Justice Department said the former Mexican cartel leader oversaw one of the world’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, responsible for smuggling cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and fentanyl into the US for decades.

The plea on Monday carries a mandatory life sentence for the continuing criminal enterprise charge and a potential life sentence for the racketeering count. As part of the agreement, Zambada also agreed to a $15 billion forfeiture judgment.

His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 13.

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