El Mayo Zambada accepts life sentence, requests medical prison

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, has accepted a life sentence in the United States and is asking to be placed in a medical prison rather than a maximum-security facility. Source: CNN In a letter to Judge Brian M. Cogan of the Eastern District of New York, Zambada's attorney Frank Pérez stated that the 76-year-old is "plenamente consciente de que la consecuencia será una sentencia obligatoria de cadena perpetua" and does not seek a reduced penalty. Source: Excelsior

The plea

Zambada pleaded guilty in August 2025 to multiple charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. His defense argues that by avoiding trial and waiving appeals, he saved the judicial system significant time and resources. Source: El Caribe Notably, Zambada has not provided "asistencia sustancial" to authorities and will not seek a sentence reduction through cooperation. Source: Infobae

The medical request

Citing advanced diabetes, mobility issues, and other age-related ailments, Zambada's legal team requests that the Bureau of Prisons assign him to a facility equipped for long-term medical care, such as FMC Butner, FMC Rochester, or MCFP Springfield. Source: Heraldo de México This contrasts with the treatment of his former partner Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who was sent to ADX Florence, a supermax prison. Source: ABC España The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2026. Source: Listín Diario

Background

Zambada was taken into U.S. custody on July 25, 2024, after being tricked and flown to New Mexico by Joaquín Guzmán López, son of El Chapo. He has been detained since then. His capture ended decades at the helm of one of the world's most powerful drug trafficking organizations. Source: El Colombiano