Mexican President Appeals to Drug Cartels for Peace After Top Drug Lords Arrested

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico made an unusual plea to drug cartels on Monday, urging them not to escalate internal fighting following the recent arrests of two top drug lords. The detention of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López has heightened tensions within the Sinaloa cartel, leading to concerns of potential violence.

López Obrador emphasized that confrontations between drug traffickers only result in more suffering for innocent people and urged for peace among rival factions. Despite the president’s plea, the Mexican army deployed additional elite soldiers to the state of Sinaloa as a precautionary measure.

The ongoing power struggle within the Sinaloa cartel has been fueled by rivalry between followers of Zambada and Guzmán López, the son of the infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. The recent arrests have brought embarrassment to the Mexican government, with officials admitting they had no prior knowledge of the operation.

Zambada’s lawyer disputed claims that his client willingly flew into the United States, alleging that he was forcibly kidnapped by Guzmán López. This revelation could lead to further turmoil within the cartel and escalate tensions between the factions.

The detention of Zambada and Guzmán López is a significant blow to the Sinaloa cartel, as both men played prominent roles in the criminal organization. Zambada, known for his negotiation skills and ability to corrupt officials, faces multiple drug charges in the United States.

As the situation unfolds, Mexican authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Zambada’s arrival in the U.S. and whether he was kidnapped. The president’s appeal for peace comes at a critical juncture for the Sinaloa cartel, with the potential for increased violence looming over the already volatile situation.