Mexico’s President Urges U.S. to Share $15 Billion from Convicted Cartel Leader with Nation’s Most Vulnerable

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recently announced her intention to request that the U.S. share the $15 billion forfeited by drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada. This money, she believes, could help lift impoverished communities in Mexico.

Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa cartel, pleaded guilty in New York to serious charges, including murder and drug trafficking of fentanyl. This potent drug is linked to thousands of overdose deaths in the U.S. each year. While he avoided the death penalty, Zambada still faces life in prison.

He was apprehended in July 2024 after arriving in Texas. For over two decades, he eluded capture, notorious for leading a brutal operation filled with violence, military-grade weapons, and a dedicated group of hitmen. Prosecutors reveal he even ordered the killing of his nephew shortly before his arrest.

Recently, there have been claims of strife within the cartel following Zambada’s capture. Although parts of the organization are weakened, Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar Garcia Harfuch, insists the cartel remains a formidable force. Some factions, notably the “Chapitos,” children of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, are known for horrific violence, including using torture against rivals.

Data shows that cartel-related violence has surged, with killings related to drug rivalries becoming increasingly brutal. A recent report indicated that in just one year, homicide rates in Mexico reached alarming levels, often linked to cartel activities.

Interestingly, social media reactions have been diverse. Many users express hope that some proceeds could indeed help the needy, while others are skeptical, questioning if such funds would genuinely reach the intended communities.

As Zambada awaits sentencing, the future of the Sinaloa cartel hangs in the balance. The organization has dominated drug trafficking for years but faces serious challenges. Experts suggest that while the cartel may be on shaky ground, its extensive network and resources mean it could adapt rather than crumble completely.

For more on this topic, you can read the U.S. Department of Justice’s report on drug trafficking in North America here.

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Drug Cartels, Mexico, Sinaloa Cartel, Trump Administration, Cartel