‘El Mayo’ Zambada Handed Over a Narco-Encyclopedia to the U.S.

Zambada’s revelations to U.S. authorities could be linked to the recent statements from the White House.

NEW YORK. — From former Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari to the recent administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the legendary drug trafficker Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada has compiled a true narco-encyclopedia, featuring presidents, governors, mayors, businessmen, journalists, drug traffickers, and other figures who have crossed paths with him for one reason or another.

The contents of that encyclopedia are now in the hands of U.S. authorities.

Following his capture and eventual handover to U.S. authorities, ‘El Mayo’ has had ample time to recover his health—thanks to an addiction recovery program and medical treatment in prison—reflect on what happened, and gradually reveal information to U.S. authorities about negotiations, agreements, favors, and payments. However, this information has not concerned rival cartel members—sources confirm that he has not provided intelligence on enemies—but rather members of the Mexican political elite.

Without following a chronological order, but rather recalling events as they come to mind, Zambada has started with the most recent: the administration of Andrés Manuel López Obrador and, closer to home, the governorship of Sinaloa under Rubén Rocha Moya.