The arrest of Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, one of the most notorious drug cartel leaders, by US authorities in El Paso, Texas, marks the end of a 35-year evasion of capture. Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was lured to the US in an elaborate sting operation orchestrated by the son of his former partner, Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman. The arrest raises questions about the future leadership of the cartel, following previous violent power struggles and reactions to arrests within the organization.
Former DEA agent Mike Vigil believes that a smooth transition of power may be possible within the Sinaloa Cartel to avoid further violence and a potential advantage to rival cartels such as the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The timing of Zambada’s arrest is attributed to the growing concern over fentanyl overdoses, with the Justice Department vowing to hold cartel leaders accountable for poisoning communities.
Experts acknowledge the profitability and prevalence of fentanyl in the drug trade and the challenges of completely shutting down its smuggling. However, US law enforcement aims to weaken cartels by targeting their leadership. The capture of El Mayo Zambada, despite his age and health, is seen as a significant step in this strategy.
The broader implications of Zambada’s arrest include the potential for power struggles within the cartel, the impact on the drug trade, and the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related violence and trafficking. The Mexican authorities are preparing for any potential violence following the arrest, as the US government ramps up efforts to dismantle cartel operations and curb the flow of illegal drugs into the country.
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