"Detention of 'El Mayo' Zambada Triggers Political Crisis and Accusations in Mexico"

The recent arrest of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada in the United States has triggered a series of reactions in Mexico that go beyond mere judicial matters, delving into a realm of accusations and diplomatic tensions. The Mexican Prosecutor's Office has turned its attention to Joaquín Guzmán López, known as "El Chapito," the son of the infamous Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, accusing him of "treason against the homeland." This accusation arises in a context where Zambada's extradition to U.S. authorities raises serious concerns about national sovereignty and the relations between the two countries. The controversy began on July 25, when Zambada was arrested in New Mexico after being in hiding for 40 years. This event has not only tarnished the image of the Sinaloa Cartel, of which Zambada is one of the founders, but it has also exposed a potential internal conflict among the cartel's factions, especially between the sons of "El Chapo" and "El Mayo." While Guzmán López seems to have taken steps to distance himself from the veteran drug trafficker, the recent arrest could mark a turning point in the internal struggle for control of drug trafficking. The Mexican Public Ministry has indicated that Guzmán López's actions could constitute a serious crime. Mexican law states that depriving a person of their liberty to deliver them to another country is an act of treason. This assertion has resonated in political circles, where Mexican authorities have expressed their discontent over the lack of communication and transparency from U.S. authorities regarding the operation that led to Zambada's capture. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) has voiced his frustration over the handling of the case. In his latest statement, he supported the Prosecutor's request for detailed information about the plane that transported Zambada and Guzmán López from Sinaloa, emphasizing the need for clarity in a matter that affects the image of his administration and the perception of national sovereignty. The situation becomes even more complicated with the publication of a letter signed by Zambada, in which he claims to have been deceived by Guzmán López under the pretense of attending a meeting with the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya. The drug trafficker's defense argues that this meeting never took place, a fact backed by Rocha Moya, who has denied any ties to drug trafficking and stated that he was outside Sinaloa on the date of the alleged meeting. This web of accusations raises serious questions about Zambada's relationships with the political elite of Sinaloa. The implication that Zambada intended to mediate in political matters suggests an intertwining of interests that could implicate public figures in the fight against drug trafficking. This not only affects the image of the ruling party, Morena, but also calls into question the authorities' ability to maintain security and legality in the region. Meanwhile, Zambada's case raises the possibility of increased violence among the factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. With "El Mayo" off the scene, other players are positioning themselves to take control. The death of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, a local politician who was murdered on the same day as the arrest, adds a layer of mystery and urgency to the situation, prompting authorities to call for a more rigorous investigation into the circumstances of his death. The repercussions of this case are significant. The accusation of treason against the homeland resonates in a country that has historically been used as a battleground in the fight against drugs, making the need for a deep discussion about national sovereignty and collaboration with the United States even more pressing. As more details emerge, AMLO's government faces the challenge of managing the crisis without compromising its political agenda and image before the electorate. Ultimately, the future of the Sinaloa Cartel and its implications for Mexican politics are matters that cannot be taken lightly. The arrest of "El Mayo" is not only a milestone in the fight against drug trafficking but also promises to be a key episode in Mexico's recent history, where organized crime and politics are increasingly intertwined. With the presidential succession on the horizon and rising violence looming, the country finds itself at a decisive moment that could define its path in the coming years.