Mexican Kingpin 'El Mayo' Zambada Pleads Not Guilty in NYC Court

Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa cartel, pleaded not guilty to numerous charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering, in Brooklyn. Prosecutors view him as a major narcotics kingpin. Following his arrest, violence has surged in Sinaloa, raising fears of an intra-cartel war.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a prominent figure in Mexico's notorious Sinaloa cartel, entered a not guilty plea to serious charges, including drug trafficking and money laundering, in a Brooklyn courthouse on Friday. The same courthouse previously convicted his co-founder, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Judge James Cho, overseeing the case, ordered Zambada to be held in custody pending his trial. Describing him as possibly the most powerful drug trafficker globally, prosecutor Francisco Navarro emphasized that without detaining Zambada, the risk of further criminal activity remains high.

Zambada's arrest on July 25 at a New Mexico airfield, alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, marked a significant success for U.S. authorities. Despite entering a wheelchair for a prior hearing, Zambada walked into his latest appearance in good health. Meanwhile, unrest following his arrest has escalated in Sinaloa, causing significant casualties and disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)