Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the infamous Mexican drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, pleaded guilty on Monday (December 1) to drug trafficking charges in a Chicago court. Guzmán López, part of the “Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, admitted to his role in a vast operation smuggling fentanyl into the United States.
Guzmán López, wearing an orange jumpsuit, acknowledged his involvement in drug trafficking and organized crime, reversing his previous not guilty plea. As part of a plea deal, he agreed to cooperate with U.S. prosecutors and pay an $80 million fine, representing the proceeds of his crimes. Despite the deal, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, with no chance to appeal the sentence.
Guzmán López also admitted to kidnapping an individual believed to be Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a fellow Sinaloa leader. This plea follows his brother Ovidio Guzmán López‘s guilty plea in July to similar charges.
The Sinaloa Cartel, under the leadership of the Chapitos, has been described as a significant threat, responsible for moving large quantities of fentanyl into the U.S. ICE reports that the cartel’s operations have been a major focus for U.S. law enforcement, with efforts to dismantle their networks continuing.
The plea deal marks a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, highlighting the collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities in tackling organized crime. Guzmán López’s sentencing will occur at a later date.
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