One of the World’s Most Brutal and Powerful Drug Lords Arrested

One of the most notorious drug lords in the world, Ismael "el Mayo" Zambada, leader of Mexico's Sinaloa cartel, has been arrested in El Paso, Texas. The 76-year-old Zambada co-founded the cartel with Joaquín "el Chapo" Guzmán, who is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison.

Along with Zambada, Guzmán’s son, Joaquín Guzmán López, was also apprehended, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Both were arrested at a private airport in Texas, U.S. media report.

The Mexican drug lord el Chapo has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the U.S. with an additional 30 years. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland stated that Zambada and López lead “one of the world’s most brutal and powerful drug cartels.”

In February, U.S. authorities charged Zambada with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute fentanyl-laced substances. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug our country has ever faced, and the Department of Justice will not rest until every cartel leader, member, and associate guilty of poisoning our citizens is held accountable,” Garland declared.