In a bold move against organized crime, Mexico is considering treason charges against cartel leaders following the unexpected capture of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, one of the country’s most-wanted drug lords.
At a glance:
- U.S. authorities arrested Zambada after he unexpectedly appeared on a flight near El Paso, Texas
- Mexican prosecutors are weighing treason charges against those involved in Zambada’s handover
- The incident has raised questions about links between drug traffickers and politicians in Sinaloa
- President López Obrador has criticized U.S. intervention in Mexico’s fight against drug cartels
The Capture of “El Mayo” Zambada
Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, was arrested by U.S. authorities in July after landing near El Paso, Texas. The circumstances surrounding his capture have sparked controversy and led Mexican prosecutors to consider treason charges against those responsible for handing him over to American officials.
According to reports, Joaquín Guzmán López, son of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, allegedly abducted Zambada and forced him onto the plane bound for the United States. This unexpected turn of events has prompted Mexican authorities to investigate potential crimes including “illegal flight, illicit use of airports, immigration and customs violations, kidnapping, treason, and any other crimes that may apply.”
Mexican Government’s Response
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has expressed criticism of U.S. intervention in Mexico’s battle against drug cartels. He questioned the effectiveness of detaining cartel leaders, asking, “why don’t they change that policy?” This stance reflects growing tensions between the two countries regarding their approach to combating organized crime.
The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has taken charge of the case, contacting Sinaloa’s governor for information. This move underscores the government’s determination to investigate possible connections between drug traffickers and local politicians, a long-standing concern in the region.
Implications for U.S.-Mexico Relations
“These actions demonstrate that in addition to holding cartel leaders accountable for their crimes, we are working together with our partners at the Treasury Department to hit the cartels’ criminal operations where it hurts the most – their profits,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “We will continue to mobilize a whole-of-government effort to disrupt the cartels profiting from the drug trafficking and human smuggling that devastate communities and endanger our national security.”
While the U.S. continues its aggressive stance against cartel leaders, Mexico’s consideration of treason charges signals a potential shift in its approach. This development could complicate bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking and may lead to increased tensions between the two nations in their joint fight against organized crime.
The Broader Context of Cartel Violence
The capture of Zambada and the subsequent legal considerations occur against a backdrop of escalating cartel violence in Mexico. Experts predict that this violence may intensify in the coming year, particularly as the country approaches its 2024 elections.
“There’s a lot of cartel violence, especially in border states,” Ballard said. “The violence is rampant. We are seeing clashes frequently. On social media, we’re seeing footage of clashes between CJNG (the Jalisco cartel) and the different factions within Sinaloa. I know some parts of the country have been hit worse by the cartel violence. Zacatecas and Colima have extremely high murder rates. In Guanajuato, security forces are being targeted at an almost unprecedented rate.”
This ongoing violence underscores the challenges faced by both Mexican and U.S. authorities in their efforts to dismantle powerful drug trafficking organizations and restore security in affected regions.
