Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada sentenced to life, judge orders placement in federal medical prison

A U.S. federal court in Brooklyn sentenced Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García, the 76‑year‑old co‑founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment on 20 July 2026 for leading a continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy under the RICO Act. The judgment also ordered a forfeiture of US$15 billion, the highest asset seizure ever imposed in a U.S. drug‑trafficking case.

Judge Brian M. Cogan recommended that Zambada serve his sentence in a Federal Medical Center, citing his advanced age and serious health problems. The recommendation was entered in the written opinion: “El tribunal recomienda que el acusado sea designado a una Instalación Médica Federal.” The Federal Bureau of Prisons will decide which medical facility will house the former cartel leader.

Zambada avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty in 2025 and accepting the forfeiture. U.S. officials emphasized the severe harm caused by his drug operations to American families and indicated that the case will not be the last enforcement action against Mexican cartels. The sentencing marks the culmination of a multi‑year investigation that began with his 2024 capture in Texas.