Sinaloa Cartel Co-Founder ‘El Mayo’ Sentenced to Life in New York
Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, 76, received a life sentence without parole in a New York federal court. He co-founded and led the Sinaloa cartel for decades. He pleaded guilty in August 2025 to racketeering and running a criminal enterprise. Zambada was arrested at a US airport in July 2024. Prosecutors dropped the death penalty in exchange for his guilty plea. The US Attorney said Zambada spent nearly 40 years poisoning American communities and ordering murders. With this verdict, his reign finally ends.
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.