Notorious drug cartel leader Ismael Zambada sentenced to life in US prison
Mexican drug cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada has been sentenced to life in a US prison following a sting operation. He was also ordered to pay $15 billion in profits earned from his leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Why it matters
This sentencing marks a significant blow to the leadership of one of the world's most powerful criminal organizations, impacting international drug trafficking operations.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Zambada being taken into custody in July 2024
One of the most notorious figures in Mexico's drug cartels, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, will spend the rest of his life in prison, a US judge ruled has ruled, two years after Zambada was lured to the US in an elaborate sting operation.
The 76-year-old, who founded the violent Sinaloa Cartel with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán, was also ordered to pay $15bn (£11bn).
In 2024, El Chapo's son led Zambada to believe they were travelling to northern Mexico to inspect clandestine airstrips, when their plane instead landed in Texas and he was arrested.
Last year, Zambada reached a plea deal and admitted to drug smuggling and conspiracy charges in exchange for avoiding the death penalty.
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