Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a top leader of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court. The 75-year-old cartel leader entered his plea in a federal courtroom in New York City, admitting to his role in the trafficking of enormous amounts of cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs into the United States.

Zambada's guilty plea comes after years of evading capture and leading one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. Known for his ruthlessness and strategic acumen, El Mayo rose to power within the Sinaloa cartel alongside Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, who is currently serving a life sentence in a U.S. prison.

The guilty plea is a major blow to the Sinaloa cartel, which has long been engaged in a violent and lucrative drug trade that spans multiple continents. Zambada's cooperation with law enforcement may provide valuable insights into the inner workings of the cartel and help authorities dismantle its operations.

As El Mayo awaits sentencing, his plea marks a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime.