Ismael Zambada Imperial, also known as "Mayito Gordo," son of Sinaloa cartel boss Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, was sentenced to nine years in prison by a California judge.
Also named in the indictment were his father, Ismael Zambada-Garcia, aka El Mayo ; one of Zambada-Garcia s other sons, Ismael Zambada-Sicairos, aka Mayito Flaco ; and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman-Salazar, aka Chapito, the son of the cartel s infamous former leader, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Loera.
Zambada-Garcia, Zambada-Sicairos and Guzman-Salazar remain at large.
Prosecutors say the case began in 2011 with what was initially believed to be a small-scale distribution cell-based in National City and Chula Vista, but it was later revealed the drugs were being supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel. Along with charges against more than 125 people, the U.S. Attorney s Office says the ensuing investigation resulted in the seizures of more than 3,000 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly, 5000 pounds of cocaine, 17.2 tons of marijuana, 211 pounds of heroin, and nearly $27.9 million in narcotics proceeds.
Sinaloa cartel leader pleads guilty
TELEMUNDO
District Judge s conviction sends message to other drug kingpins
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - In a proceeding Friday before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw, Ismael Zambada-Imperial, aka Mayito Gordo, accepted responsibility for his role as a leader within the Sinaloa Cartel, acknowledging that he organized the transportation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin and marijuana for importation from Mexico into the U.S.
Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman says, Zambada-Imperial’s guilty plea today sends a message to other drug kingpins operating in Mexico. There is no place to hide because our law enforcement partners will find you and work tirelessly to bring you to justice in the United States.