Detained Mexican kingpin 'El Mayo' was 'kidnapped' by El Chapo's son

28/7/2024 12:35

        Notorious Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada was "forcibly kidnapped" by a son of his former partner Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who brought him to the United States where both men are detained, Zambada's defense lawyer said on Saturday.
        
        Frank Perez, Zambada's lawyer, said El Chapo's son Joaquin Guzman Lopez and six men in military uniforms ambushed Zambada near Culiacan in Mexico's Sinaloa state, forced him onto a plane and brought him to the United States against his will. Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug charges on Friday in El Paso, Texas, federal court.
        
        "Joaquin Guzman Lopez forcibly kidnapped my client," Perez said in a statement. Perez said the incident caused some back and leg issues for Zambada, who was in a wheelchair during his initial court appearance in El Paso on Friday.
        
        Asked about Perez's assertion, Guzman Lopez's defense lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman said, "I've got no comment other than to note that Mr. Zambada is free to employ any defense he'd like against the charges he faces."