Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the alleged Mexican drug kingpin, is considering a plea deal with prosecutors in the United States. His lawyer, Frank Perez, stated that Zambada is willing to plead guilty in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
Zambada was indicted on 17 felony charges, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons offenses, in federal court in New York last September. He has been detained pending trial.
"Mr. Zambada does not want to go to trial and is willing to accept responsibility for a charge that does not include the death penalty," Perez said.
The U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn, which brought the charges, declined to comment.
Zambada, who is in his 70s, was apprehended by U.S. authorities at a New Mexico airfield in July 2023. His capture, along with that of Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of Guzman's sons, was a significant victory for U.S. law enforcement.
9 Comments
Rotfront
Justice doesn't always mean execution. This deal achieves accountability while prioritizing public safety.
Karamba
Letting him off with a lesser charge is rewarding him for his crimes. Justice demands the maximum punishment.
Matzomaster
Justice for victims of his cartel demands his full prosecution under the law, not a convenient plea bargain.
Katchuka
He has evaded capture for years while his organization thrived. He shouldn't be rewarded with leniency now.
Habibi
The death penalty is not the solution. We should prioritize ending this cycle of violence and saving lives.
ZmeeLove
Accepting responsibility is a positive step, regardless of the motivation. It acknowledges the harm caused.
Bella Ciao
His plea deal shows the power wielded by cartels. They can manipulate the system even when faced with serious charges.
Habibi
This agreement demonstrates the willingness of authorities to explore solutions beyond punishment alone.
Bella Ciao
His capture alone dealt a major blow to the cartel. A plea deal secures cooperation that can weaken it further.