Mexican drug lord 'El Mayo' gets life in US prison

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a co-founder of the powerful Sinaloa cartel, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the United States. The sentence was handed down on Friday in a federal court. Zambada, one of the world's most wanted drug traffickers, was convicted on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy. He was arrested in 2023 after years on the run. Prosecutors described him as a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, which is responsible for smuggling large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and other drugs into the US. Zambada's criminal empire spanned decades and made him one of the most influential drug lords in Mexico. The sentence marks the end of a long legal battle and is a major victory for US law enforcement. Zambada, now in his 70s, will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison. The case highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. While his conviction is significant, the Sinaloa cartel continues to operate under other leaders. The US Justice Department said the sentence sends a clear message that no one is above the law. Zambada's lawyers argued for a lesser sentence, citing his age and health, but the judge ruled that his crimes were too severe for leniency.