In a significant development for U.S. law enforcement, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a notorious drug lord and co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has pleaded guilty to U.S. drug trafficking charges. During a press conference held on August 25, 2025, in Brooklyn, New York, Bondi declared that Zambada would spend the rest of his life in a federal prison, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating drug cartels.
Bondi stated, “This guy, ‘El Mayo,’ was living like a king. Now he’s living like a criminal for the rest of his life.” She highlighted the efforts of federal agents and prosecutors in bringing Zambada to justice, marking his guilty plea as a crucial step in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. The Attorney General’s remarks aimed to send a strong message to others involved in the drug trade: they should fear the consequences of their actions.
Zambada has been a central figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, described by the Justice Department as one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations globally. His operations have led to the importation of billions of dollars worth of dangerous drugs into the United States. The DOJ noted that Zambada maintained his criminal empire through extensive bribery of Mexican officials, ensuring protection for his cartel and its drug shipments.
The Attorney General pointed out that Zambada had been indicted in 16 federal courts across the U.S. over the past two decades, escaping justice for years until now. “Under President Trump’s leadership, he has finally been brought to justice,” Bondi stated, underscoring the administration’s focus on dismantling drug cartels.
Bondi’s announcement follows a two-hour meeting with President Trump, signaling that addressing the threat posed by drug cartels remains a top priority for the administration. Family members of U.S. citizens killed by cartel violence expressed their gratitude to Bondi and Trump for their efforts in holding these organizations accountable.
Adriana Jones, president of “American Families Against Cartel Terrorism,” thanked the administration for its commitment to tackling the dangers posed by cartels, highlighting the suffering caused by groups like the Sinaloa and Juárez Cartels.
This guilty plea marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the U.S., as authorities continue to work towards dismantling powerful criminal organizations that have wreaked havoc on communities across the country.
