How El Chapo's son helped U.S. arrest fabled narco chief "El Mayo"


FILE PHOTO: Mexico's Security Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez informs of the detention of Joaquin Guzman Lopez, El Chapo Guzman's son, and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, during a press conference at the National Palace, in Mexico City, Mexico July 26, 2024. REUTERS/Henry Romero/File Photo

(Reuters) - As a propeller plane on Thursday whirred towards the U.S.-Mexico border to cross illegally, U.S. agents raced to meet it at a small municipal airport near El Paso, Texas, and arrest two men who were part of Mexican drug trafficking royalty.

The son of jailed former Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman planned to give himself up upon landing. The other passenger - legendary septuagenarian trafficker Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada – did not and was duped into getting on the plane by the younger man, according to two current and two former U.S. officials familiar with the situation.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Ukrainians mourn missing homes and loved ones after four years of war
Exclusive-Ukraine's 2026 defence exports could hit 'several billion dollars', official says
South Korea's ex-President Yoon apologises after life sentence over martial law
Christine Lagarde intends to complete her term at ECB, she tells WSJ
Banner of Donald Trump unfurled at Justice Department headquarters
The former Prince Andrew went from helicopter pilot to trade envoy to royal pariah
Argentina's lower house passes labor reform, sends to Senate for final vote
Alberta plans referendum to wrest control over immigration from Canadian government
How Reuters captured the photo of former Prince Andrew leaving custody
New Mexico reopens investigation of Epstein ranch

Others Also Read