The leader of the Sinaloa Cartel remains in a solitary confinement cell in prison, where he receives medical treatment. Despite his confinement, he receives daily visits from his legal team with whom he discusses various topics, including politics, livestock, and business in Mexico. Regarding the letter that was made public last week and attributed to 'El Mayo', journalist Ioan Grillo stated that it was written by his lawyers. In the letter, Zambada requested President Claudia Sheinbaum for his extradition, warning that failing to comply could have repercussions on the bilateral relationship between Mexico and the United States.
The defense of the drug lord acknowledges the low probability of his repatriation, dismissing that the letter was a threat to the Mexican government. Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada would be willing to plead guilty in the United States to collaborate with authorities and avoid the death penalty; however, he would refuse to provide information or names of politicians linked to drug trafficking for the protection of his family and business in Mexico.
In an interview with Azucena Uresti, Grillo mentioned that 'El Mayo' Zambada, 75 years old, would have no incentives to negotiate a shorter sentence due to his advanced age and the nature of his charges, considering that his organization has recently been designated as terrorist. While he would seek to avoid the death penalty by pleading guilty, he would not go into details about his political connections. Zambada, according to his lawyer, does not suffer from terminal illnesses as has been speculated, although he does suffer from diabetes and associated complications.
In conclusion, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada faces a complicated judicial scenario in which he is reluctant to provide information about his political ties and criminal activities, prioritizing the safeguarding of his family and his interests in Mexico.
