Official statements from U.S. or Mexican government or law enforcement agencies

Sinaloa Cartel's 'El Mayo' Zambada to Appear in Texas Court, Held Without Bail

Aug 1, 2024, 10:10 AM

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, the alleged co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, is set to appear in a U.S. court in Texas on August 1 after pleading not guilty to drug trafficking charges. Zambada was arrested in a dramatic operation, and his capture has prompted calls from Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) for the U.S. to clarify whether its agents participated in the arrest. Zambada will remain in custody without bail and will be kept separate from other prisoners. The Mexican Consulate in El Paso attended the court proceedings, and AMLO has acknowledged that there is still uncertainty regarding the details of Zambada's arrest and the involvement of U.S. authorities. Joaquín Guzmán López, who also pleaded not guilty to five charges, was detained alongside Zambada.