WASHINGTON (Aug. 29, 2025) – According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as “El Mayo,” co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, pleaded guilty on Aug. 25 to being a principal leader of a continuing criminal enterprise and to a racketeering charge.

Zambada Garcia, 75, of Sinaloa, Mexico, admitted his role as a leader of one of the world’s most violent and powerful drug trafficking organizations. Prosecutors said the plea establishes his responsibility for directing large-scale drug trafficking operations connected to the cartel.

Sentencing details have not yet been announced.