Mexico requests share of $15 billion seized from drug lord

Mexico's president has announced she will request the U.S. share the $15 billion seized from a Sinaloa cartel leader to aid Mexico's impoverished population.

"If the U.S. government is going to recover money from drug lord Zambada, we will request it be shared with the poorest people in Mexico," Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on 27/8.

Drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, 77, pleaded guilty in the U.S. on 25/8 and agreed to forfeit $15 billion in assets. Along with Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Zambada co-founded the Sinaloa cartel, one of the world's most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations, operating in Mexico and the U.S.

Zambada's guilty plea came two weeks after prosecutors promised not to seek the death penalty. Washington has not yet commented on Mexico City's request.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at a press conference in Mexico City on 24/3. Photo: AFP

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at a press conference in Mexico City on 24/3. Photo: AFP

According to prosecutors, Zambada commanded a large criminal network, possessing heavy weaponry, a private security force resembling an army, and a team of "sicario" assassins specializing in murder, kidnapping, and torture. Months before his arrest, Zambada ordered the killing of his own nephew.

After being wanted by the U.S. for over two decades, Zambada was arrested on 25/7 upon landing at El Paso International Airport in Texas on a private jet with Guzman's son, Lopez. He was then extradited to New York for trial.

Zambada claimed he was kidnapped in Mexico and brought to the U.S. by Lopez. Lopez's lawyers have denied the allegation.

Following Zambada's arrest, intense fighting broke out in Mexico between factions loyal to him and those aligned with the "Chapitos," Guzman's sons.

U.S. officials describe the Chapitos as notoriously violent, often torturing, executing, or feeding rivals to tigers.