During her morning press conference, President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly denied the legitimacy of a recent interview published by Proceso magazine, in which Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada, the elusive leader of the Cártel de Sinaloa, allegedly criticized the Mexican government’s handling of drug trafficking.
The controversial report suggested that Zambada blamed institutional incompetence for Mexico’s ongoing violence crisis. Sheinbaum dismissed the claims, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to national security and anti-crime policies.
Alleged Interview: What Did ‘El Mayo’ Zambada Say?
According to Proceso, Zambada supposedly gave an interview just days before his rumored capture, stating that the government lacks the ability to dismantle cartel operations.
Among the claims attributed to him:
✔ Drug lords are rarely captured due to deep-rooted corruption and conflicting interests.
✔ Mexico’s drug trade is impossible to stop, as it involves multiple levels of power.
✔ Authorities fail to curb cartel violence, allowing crime syndicates to continue expanding their influence.
Additionally, the alleged interview suggested that despite the “hugs, not bullets” policy under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Zambada remained in constant hiding, even suffering a serious leg injury in January 2024 while evading capture.
Sheinbaum Responds: «This Interview Is False»
President Sheinbaum categorically rejected the report, stating that it is a fabrication designed to discredit her government’s security efforts.
“We are fully committed to reducing violence in Mexico. The drug trade is fueled by demand, and our priority is tackling the root causes,” Sheinbaum said.
She emphasized that her administration has strengthened security measures to combat organized crime, ensuring that law enforcement agencies remain focused on pacification efforts rather than reactive policies.
‘El Mayo’ Zambada’s Role in the Drug Trade
At 74 years old, Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada remains one of the most elusive figures in the global drug trade. Unlike his former partner Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, who was captured and extradited to the United States, Zambada has never been arrested.
✔ Leader of the Cártel de Sinaloa, one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels
✔ Responsible for massive cocaine shipments into the U.S. and Europe
✔ Reportedly controls major trafficking routes, especially in Sinaloa’s Triángulo Dorado region
Despite rumors of declining health, Zambada allegedly claimed that his drug empire remains intact, though he denied involvement in fentanyl trafficking—a statement contradicting U.S. intelligence reports.
Sheinbaum Criticizes U.S. Response to Drug Crisis
During her speech, Sheinbaum also took aim at U.S. officials, arguing that Mexico is not solely responsible for the drug epidemic affecting both nations.
📌 Key points from Sheinbaum’s response:
✔ Drug demand in the U.S. fuels cartel operations, making the crisis a shared responsibility.
✔ The U.S. must enforce stricter controls on drug consumption and border security.
✔ Mexico remains committed to fighting cartel violence, but solutions require bilateral cooperation.
“The drug trade exists because of demand. The U.S. must address its internal drug crisis, rather than solely blaming Mexico,” she asserted.
What Comes Next?
The Mexican government continues to deny any direct negotiations with cartels and has reaffirmed its anti-crime policies. Meanwhile, Proceso magazine has yet to respond to Sheinbaum’s statement.
✔ Will there be further investigations?
✔ Is ‘El Mayo’ Zambada still in control?
✔ How will the U.S. react to Sheinbaum’s remarks?As Mexico’s security challenges evolve, the debate over cartel influence and government response remains one of the country’s most pressing issues.
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