As Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada continues facing legal proceedings in the United States, former drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán is reportedly cooperating with U.S. authorities by providing key information against his longtime associate.
Zambada is facing 17 charges in New York, including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder and money laundering. Prosecutors allege he played a central role in trafficking fentanyl into the United States, contributing to a surge in overdose deaths.
Since his arrest in July 2024, Zambada's case has grown increasingly complex, as his defense team has pursued plea negotiations in exchange for a reduced sentence, as well as guarantees that prosecutors won't request the death penalty, and protection for members of his family.
But according to Mexican journalist David Saucedo, Zambada's case could take yet another turn, as "El Chapo" is allegedly providing sensitive information about "El Mayo" Zambada's operations, financial networks and political alliances in exchange for improved prison conditions.
"According to the latest behind-the-scenes information, 'El Chapo' has provided testimony and details to U.S. authorities about Zambada. It's a series of calculated mutual betrayals between the two Sinaloa Cartel co-founders, each seeking their own benefit," Saucedo said in an interview.
"I don't know if 'El Chapo' is in contact with or has sent messages to Zambada, but Guzmán is providing evidence in the case against him to obtain certain benefits," the journalist added.
To avoid the death penalty, Zambada's attorneys have reportedly tried to strike a deal with prosecutors by providing information on trafficking routes, names of corrupt officials, hidden financial assets, and operational details of the Sinaloa Cartel's structure.
Saucedo pointed to the case of a former Sinaloa mayor, Gerardo Vargas Landeros, whose legal immunity was recently revoked by the Sinaloa Congress as evidence of this cooperation.
"I understand that an investigation was conducted by U.S. authorities based on information that Zambada himself is providing during these pretrial hearings, and that data has emerged linking this mayor directly to the criminal activity of the Sinaloa Cartel," he said.
Sons of "El Chapo" are also working with prosecutors to strike a plea deal
"El Chapo" and "El Mayo" are not the only cartel drug lords cooperating with U.S. prosecutors to reduce their sentences.
A hearing for Joaquín Guzmán López, one of the sons of "El Chapo", was delayed earlier this year as prosecutors continue working with him and his brother, Ovidio Guzmán López, to reach a plea deal that would help capture their half-brother, Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, leader of the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
Reports suggested the delay was due to U.S. officials' desire to capture Archivaldo Guzmán before finalizing reduced sentences for his brothers. According to journalist Luis Chaparro, authorities also aim to secure the arrest of Ismael Zambada Sicairos, also known as "Mayito Flaco," leader of La Mayiza and son of "El Mayo" Zambada.
In an interview, Chaparro stated that U.S. authorities "need" to arrest Iván Archivaldo and Zambada Sicairos to better control negotiations with "El Chapo's" two youngest sons.
"If these leaders remain at large, the defendants have the opportunity to demand certain things. But if they are captured, the U.S. government can impose stricter conditions on those already in trials," Chaparro added.
© 2025 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
