Accused Mexican kingpin Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges in the same New York courthouse where fellow Sinaloa cartel co-founder Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was convicted. Zambada, facing 17 felony counts including money laundering and weapons charges, was ordered to be jailed pending trial by US Magistrate Judge James Cho.
Prosecutor Francisco Navarro described Zambada as one of the most powerful narcotics kingpins globally, emphasizing the need for incarceration to prevent further crimes. Defense lawyer Frank Perez did not oppose the request for detention.
Zambada, captured in New Mexico with Guzman’s son, faces separate drug trafficking charges in El Paso before the Brooklyn trial. The case, dating back to 2009, includes allegations related to fentanyl trafficking, with Zambada’s next court appearance scheduled for October 31.
El Chapo is serving a life sentence, while his son faces drug charges in Chicago. Recent shootouts in Sinaloa have raised concerns of cartel violence post-Zambada’s arrest, prompting state authorities to cancel festivities and close schools.