Ismael Zambada Garcia, also known as “El Mayo” and the former leader of the notorious Sinaloa cartel, was sentenced to life in prison on Monday in a Brooklyn federal courtroom. The 76-year-old drug kingpin was also ordered to forfeit $15 billion.
Before learning his sentence, Zambada Garcia apologized for the harm he caused. “I am here to say I’m sorry for the harm I caused, and the example I set,” he stated. “I accept my punishment. I am not here for compassion.”
Federal authorities have not yet recovered any of the illicit gains attributed to Zambada Garcia. His attorney, Frank Perez, was seen arriving at the courthouse on the day of the sentencing.
Zambada Garcia is reported to have taken over leadership of the Sinaloa cartel after the apprehension of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.