DOJ reacts to 'El Mayo's' appearance before NYC court: 'Justice will follow'

The Department of Justice (DOJ) celebrated on Friday the appearance of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada before a court in New York City, saying that his "day of reckoning" has arrived and that "justice will follow."

In a press release that included the quotes of several officials, including U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, the DOJ detailed the 17 charges the drug lord is facing, including "overseeing a multi-billion-dollar conspiracy to flood American communities with narcotics, including deadly fentanyl."

"Now, El Mayo joins the many other Sinaloa Cartel leaders who have faced charges in an American courtroom for the immeasurable harm they have inflicted on families and communities across our country," said Garland in a passage of his statement.

Moreover, U.S. Attorney Breon Peace said "Zambada García's day of reckoning in a U.S. courtroom has arrived and justice will follow." "If convicted, never again will he deliver fentanyl, cocaine, and other deadly drugs and associated violence into our country or make millions as hundreds of thousands of innocent lives are lost."

Zambada pleaded not guilty to the charges, which also included conspiracy to commit murders. The arraignment marked a pivotal moment in U.S. efforts to dismantle Mexico's most notorious criminal empire.

Appearing before Judge James R. Cho, Zambada, who is accused of exporting over 250 tons of cocaine and running the Sinaloa Cartel from 1989 to January 2024, stood dressed in a khaki prison uniform, limping slightly as he was escorted by federal agents, witnesses reported.

The U.S. government's legal team is spearheaded by federal prosecutors Francisco Navarro, Robert Pollack, Hiral Mehta, and Lauren Bowman. Among them is also Andrea Goldbarg, a seasoned prosecutor who played a key role in the conviction of Zambada's former ally, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, adding considerable weight to the prosecution's case.

Prosecutors believe Zambada's leadership extended well beyond drug trafficking, with his criminal enterprise involving money laundering and widespread corruption throughout Mexico. This trial marks a critical point in the ongoing efforts to curb the influence of the Sinaloa Cartel, which remains a dominant force in the global drug trade.

Zambada remains in custody, awaiting further court proceedings. The next hearing is set to take place on October 31.The prosecution is expected to lay out evidence that could solidify his role as one of the most significant drug traffickers in history. If convicted, Zambada could face a lifetime in prison, a fate already met by his former associate, "El Chapo" Guzmán.