The United States celebrated a significant victory in the ongoing war against drug trafficking with the arrest of two top Sinaloa cartel leaders, Ismael Zambada Garcia, known as ‘El Mayo,’ and Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the cartel’s other co-founder ‘El Chapo.’ The arrests took place in El Paso, Texas, prompting praise from President Biden and U.S. lawmakers.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland declared, “The Justice Department has taken into custody two additional alleged leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world.”
Zambada Garcia, a co-founder of the cartel, and Guzmán López were apprehended after Guzmán López reportedly surrendered to U.S. authorities, cutting a deal in exchange for information leading to El Mayo’s capture. Sources revealed that Guzmán López lured El Mayo onto a private plane, which instead of heading south to Mexico as planned, flew north to El Paso, where both men were taken into custody.
President Biden hailed the capture as a victory against the scourge of illicit fentanyl, stating, “I commend the work of our law enforcement officials who made this arrest for their ongoing work to bring Sinaloa cartel leaders to justice.” He emphasized the devastating impact of fentanyl on American lives, vowing to hold deadly drug traffickers accountable.
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, echoed the sentiment, calling it a “huge win for the world, certainly for America.” He expressed gratitude for the dedicated efforts of law enforcement agencies, emphasizing their tireless work in the field. However, Gonzales also acknowledged potential repercussions, warning of the risk of a power vacuum and increased ruthlessness within the cartel.
The arrest of these high-ranking cartel leaders marks a significant blow to the organization’s operations. It signifies the continued commitment of U.S. law enforcement to dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and combating the flow of illicit drugs across the border. However, the potential for fragmentation and heightened criminal activity within the cartel remains a pressing concern. The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, preparing to address any emerging threats and ensuring the continued safety of American citizens.