Sinaloa Cartel Drama: El Chapo's Son Allegedly Kidnaps Former Partner

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was allegedly kidnapped by Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and taken to the United States where he now faces drug charges. Zambada's lawyer claims the ambush resulted in back and leg injuries for his client.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the notorious co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, was allegedly "forcibly kidnapped" and taken to the United States by Joaquin Guzman Lopez, son of jailed drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, according to Zambada's defense lawyer Frank Perez.

Perez said Guzman Lopez, along with six men in military uniforms, ambushed Zambada near Culiacan, Mexico, forced him onto a plane, and brought him to the U.S., where Zambada pleaded not guilty to drug charges in El Paso, Texas. The incident allegedly resulted in back and leg injuries, leading Zambada to appear in court in a wheelchair.

Guzman Lopez's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, declined to comment on the kidnapping allegations. U.S. officials have not confirmed the use of force in the operation. The arrest of Zambada, who is in his late 70s, and Guzman Lopez, about 38, could significantly impact the Mexican criminal landscape.