Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mayo' Seeks US Plea Deal to Avoid Death Penalty
Accused Mexican drug kingpin Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada is willing to plead guilty in a deal with prosecutors in the United States if the arrangement spares him from the death penalty. Zambada has pleaded not guilty to 17 US felony counts, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons charges, but his lawyer says he does not want to go to trial. The decision comes as Zambada faces significant pressure after being taken into US custody last July.
- This offer could be seen as a strategic move by the US government to weaken Zambada's position in Mexico, potentially paving the way for further cooperation or even extradition.
- Will the US government be willing to accept a guilty plea from one of its most wanted fugitives, and what would be the implications for the US-Mexico relationship?