US seeks max sentence for 'El Mayo' Zambada; defense asks for hospital prison

U.S. prosecutors allege that Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, co‑founder of the Sinaloa cartel, paid millions of dollars in bribes to Mexican police, military officers, public officials and politicians to protect drug trafficking operations. The indictment seeks the statutory maximum – life imprisonment – and the forfeiture of roughly $115 billion in assets tied to the cartel.

Zambada has pleaded guilty to multiple narcotics‑trafficking charges in a federal court in New York and awaits sentencing by Judge Brian Cogan. His lawyers have filed a request that he be placed in a federal hospital prison, arguing that his advanced age and deteriorating health require continuous medical care.

Analysts warn the case could uncover further connections between organized crime and Mexican political figures, suggesting additional disclosures may emerge as the proceedings continue.