The United States has denied orchestrating the arrest of Mexican drug lord Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, who arrived in Texas on a private plane last week, Mexico said Monday (29/7).
U.S. agents received notification about two hours earlier that one of the founders of the Sinaloa Cartel – one of Mexico's most wanted drug traffickers – was on the plane, Mexican Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez said.
The information seems to support the theory that Zambada was betrayed by his comrades.
The 76-year-old was arrested Thursday after disembarking at an airport near El Paso with Joaquin Guzman Lopez, the son of another cartel founder, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
According to information received from Washington, US authorities had been informed on several previous occasions that Guzman Lopez was considering surrendering.
On Thursday morning, information received by authorities indicated that Guzman Lopez planned to arrive on a private flight that day to surrender.
US media quoted law enforcement sources as saying that Zambada was involuntarily lured across the border by Guzman Lopez, one of El Chapo's four sons.
According to a report by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released in May, El Chapo's children were involved in an “internal dispute” against Zambada, their father's former associate.
Mexico said it was not involved in the capture of Zambada, who was reported to be in good health.
The United States itself has offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture. (ns/lt)
