, 75, co-founder and historical leader of the , pleaded guilty on Monday in a federal court in New York to two counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons use.

Zambada , who was accused of 17 charges, acknowledged having led a criminal organization, the Sinaloa Cartel, from 1989 until 2024 and having conspired under the RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), given his participation in money laundering, murders, and kidnappings related to drug trafficking.

Hence, "El Mayo" avoided being prosecuted in a public trial, but lost his right to revoke the sentence.

Judge Brian M. Cogan emphasized that each of the crimes to which Zambada pleaded guilty carries a life sentence, which could be confirmed when the sentence is read on Jan. 13, 2026.

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