Mexico's FGR Confirms ‘El Jando’ as Pilot Who Flew ‘El Mayo’ Zambada to U.S. After 2025 Extradition

The Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) announced that forensic analysis in June 2026 identified Mauro Alberto N (also known as Alejandro N or “El Jando”) as the pilot who flew Sinaloa cartel leaders Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López from Culiacán to an airfield in New Mexico on 25 July 2024. Voice‑recording matches and fingerprint comparisons linked the suspect to the flight, confirming his role almost a year after his extradition.

“El Jando” was detained on 8 February 2025 in Jesús María, Culiacán, after a vehicle‑borne assault on army and National Guard personnel that left one soldier dead and five injured. He initially presented a false name, but subsequent peritajes established his true identity and his high‑level affiliation with the Sinaloa cartel. In August 2025 he was handed over to U.S. authorities together with 25 other high‑risk detainees under Mexico’s National Security Law.

Despite the extradition, the FGR said Mexican investigations remain open, preserving recordings, forensic reports and interviews, and will seek further judicial assistance from the United States. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the transfer, stating it followed a thorough risk‑assessment by the Security Cabinet.