The capture of 'El Mayo' Zambada generates speculation about betrayals within the cartel.

The capture of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, the historical leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, has unleashed a series of speculations and theories that have shocked both Mexico and the United States. Zambada, known for his discretion and his ability to evade authorities for decades, was arrested on July 25 in El Paso, Texas, after descending from a small plane. This event has been described as a significant blow to drug trafficking in North America, but the circumstances surrounding his capture have raised more questions than answers. According to reports from various sources, the capture of 'El Mayo' was not the result of a conventional operation; rather, some testimonies suggest it was a carefully planned ambush. British journalist Ioan Grillo, who has closely followed the phenomenon of drug trafficking in Mexico, suggests that Zambada was tricked into attending a meeting in Culiacán, where he was supposed to meet Joaquín Guzmán López, the son of 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Upon arrival, he was subdued by gunmen from the Sinaloa Cartel itself, leading many to question the loyalty of those involved. The account from Zambada's lawyer, Frank Pérez, supports this narrative of betrayal, stating that his client did not surrender but was kidnapped by men in military uniforms. This version has resonated with some analysts, who see in the capture of 'El Mayo' a complex web of power and ambition within a cartel that, despite its history of crimes, has also had its own dynamics of loyalty and rivalry. However, not everyone agrees with this interpretation. Other reports, including statements from José Luis González, the lawyer for 'El Chapo', argue that both Zambada and Guzmán López voluntarily surrendered after a negotiation process that spanned several years. According to this version, the parties involved would have reached an agreement allowing them to live in the United States in exchange for their surrender, a proposition that, if true, could change the rules of the game in drug trafficking. The confusion surrounding the nature of the capture has been fueled by the lack of official information and the revelation that even high-ranking officials in the Mexican government were unaware of the operation. The capture was carried out without any leaks, indicating meticulous planning by U.S. authorities. The context of this capture is crucial for understanding its impact on drug trafficking in Mexico. 'El Mayo' Zambada has been a key player in the cartel, and his detention could reconfigure alliances and rivalries within the criminal world. Some analysts suggest that his arrest could trigger a wave of violence, while others, like lawyer González, assert that there will be no reprisals due to the alleged lack of betrayal in the surrender. Meanwhile, the media impact of 'El Mayo's' capture has been undeniable. Stories about his life, power, and influence have filled pages and screens, and public curiosity about the cartel leader has grown exponentially. However, the narrative that develops around his downfall will largely depend on the testimonies and evidence presented in the coming days. Zambada, along with his son Joaquín, has pleaded not guilty to the charges he faces in federal court, indicating that the legal battle is just beginning. As judicial proceedings unfold, more details are likely to emerge about the circumstances that led to his capture and the true power dynamics within the Sinaloa Cartel. In a broader context, this capture underscores the complexity of the drug trafficking conflict in Mexico and the interaction between organized crime and authorities. The relationship between cartels, governments, and society is multifaceted and marked by corruption, violence, and ambition. The fall of 'El Mayo' Zambada, therefore, is not just another chapter in the history of drug trafficking, but a reminder that stories of betrayal and loyalty are as old as organized crime itself.