Joaquín Guzmán López, son of former Sinaloa cartel boss Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, pleaded not guilty to narcotics, money laundering, and firearms charges in federal court in Chicago. His attorney stated there is no cooperation agreement with US officials.
Guzmán López and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada were arrested in El Paso after a flight from Mexico. Questions arise about the circumstances of the flight and whether Guzmán López intended to surrender.
While facing serious charges, Guzmán López is not accused of kidnapping. His attorney emphasized this point and mentioned that the government has not formally accused him of such a crime.
Guzmán López, 38, informed the court about his health issues and is receiving care for thyroid and high blood pressure problems. He and Zambada are charged with leading criminal operations of a powerful drug trafficking organization.
Zambada, 76, pleaded not guilty to charges including continuing criminal enterprise and money laundering. His attorney described the arrest as a violent kidnapping orchestrated by Guzmán López.
Mexico's president has called on the US to provide a detailed report on the incident. The Sinaloa cartel is known for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl into the US.
US officials were cautious in briefing Mexican counterparts about the operation, fearing compromise. The arrests are seen as a significant blow to the cartel's drug trafficking activities.
