The sentencing hearing for Mexican drug trafficker Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, scheduled for tomorrow, Monday, has been postponed again, this time to May. His lawyer, Frank Pérez, confirmed this to EFE. Media outlets Milenio and Univisión reported that the sentencing was postponed to May 18, citing federal sources, but the updated date is not yet reflected in the online court file for the case. The sentencing had already been postponed previously due to difficulties faced by Zambada's defense in gathering key information for the documents to be presented at the hearing. Zambada, co-founder and historical leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to two charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapon use, although he was initially accused of 17 charges. In his plea agreement, he admitted to leading a criminal organization from 1989 to 2024 and participating in drug-related criminal activities. The former right-hand man of drug trafficker Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, with over half a century linked to drug trafficking, faced accusations in 16 U.S. federal courts since 2009. The two charges for which he took responsibility carry a life sentence. Zambada was arrested in July 2024 after landing at Santa Teresa airport (New Mexico) in a small plane with Joaquín Guzmán López, one of El Chapo's sons. According to Mayo, he set a trap to lure him to the U.S. and hand him over to the authorities.
