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Tuesday, September 11, 2018

“El Mayo” Zambada: 40 Years of Secrecy in Hiding

Translated by Yaqui for Borderland Beat from: Riodoce

Riodoce Special
By: Ismael Bojorquéz

Very few narcos  in Mexico have had the audacity to live for almost 40 years amid persecution and death, drugs, loyalties and betrayals, internal wars between cartels, excesses and loneliness that carry power, fame and a life underground. All this without ever stepping foot in a jail. Ismael Zambada Garcia, "El Mayo" , is one of them.

From the Gulf organizations, Juan Nepomuceno Guerra died at home at age 86, although he was imprisoned for short periods several times. Of the Sinaloan  capos, only Eduardo Lalo Fernandez never set foot in jail and died of old age .

All others were killed and those who were not have  paid or are paying for  their crimes in jails and prisons. 


The case of Pedro Aviles, assassinated in 1978, by going to the town of Tepuche, near Culiacan. 

Ines Calderon, who came to have immense power, was killed by federal police at his home in the countryside, in March 1988. 

Rafael Caro Quintero, still in power, spent  28 years in prison on charges of drug trafficking and involvement in the murder of DEA agent Enrique Kiki Camarena.  

Don Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo and Miguel Felix Gallardo, co - accused of the same crime as Caro, are still in jail,  Don "Neto" serving time in a house on "humanitarian" issues. ( House arrest/Custody )

Of the family Cázarez the most important is Victor Emilio who is imprisoned in the United States. 

Of he Beltran Leyvas, Arturo was "hunted" by the Navy in December 2009 and his brothers Alfredo and Hector are imprisoned.

The  Esparragozas, Juan José, "El Azul" , it has been said that he died of cardiac arrest in a hospital, although that has not been proven yet. He was imprisoned. 

The Coronels collapsed after the death of "Nacho" ,  hunted in Guadalajara by the Army. 

The Carrillos have been a history of family dramas since the death of Amado Carrillo, " El Seńor de los Cielos". 

And the Guzmans , ie "El Chapo" Joaquin Guzman Loera, the most famous, is being prosecuted in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

Why has "El Mayo" never set foot in a jail?

He as nearly 40 years of committing crimes behind him , and of those, nearly 30 at the top of the game , nearly  since Miguel Felix arrested in 1989.  One of the keys undoubtedly is his logistical capacity. Another is the relationship "El Mayo" has maintained for decades with government forces at all levels. There is not one common law folder/ case open against him. He has often been about to be caught by the Army or the Navy but has always managed to escape. 

                                          Tomb of Inés Calderón in Culiacan, Sinaloa

The same has not happened with his closest associates. When they killed Inés Calderón  they were together just days before and when "El Mayo" saw the police were on top of them Inés opted to stay in Culiacán but "Mayo" took a plane into the mountains, his main lair. 

                                                   Brother: Reynaldo "El Rey"  Zambada

The same has not happened with his sons, almost all are in prison here and in the United States, along with his brother Reynaldo Zambada, "El Rey", extradited to the US in 2012.  This is perhaps his greatest loss, the cost most expensive for staying where he is. Especially the absence of Vicente, "El Vicentillo", his eldest son, now a protected witness of the American justice system awaiting sentencing in December of 2018 in Chicago, Illiniois.

                                           Eldest Son: Vincente or "Vincentillo" Zambada

There is another reason that has "Mayo" has not been touched personally despite the blows to his  structure and family, and it has been a balancing factor, the bridge between the government and the Sinaloa cartel. And also with the gringos. It is no coincidence that the judge  has imposed conditions following Vincente into trial in Chicago;  despite what not knowing what the sentence may be do to the case being  sealed,  this puts the  American justice system against  a  wall  obligating it to reach  an agreement.

But the story is still open and no one knows what will happen, if Vincente will remain  protected or will agree to cooperate to catch his father, "El Mayo" Zambada and a new effort will be unleashed to finally catch him.  Doubtful, considering the vision that  the new federal government brings us. Moreover , because there are too many that  think that "Mayo" played ball with  "the old man".

Maybe "Mayo " did not do it with money for the  Morena Party, as he has done historically with the PRI in many parts of Sinaloa; but the message may have been passed through the radio waves.

Which should worry us more ?

NOTE: This is an Op/Ed by Ismael Boroquez, co-founder of Riodoce along with Javier Valdez (DEP)

71 comments:

  1. Chapo will be serving many in in a US prison.

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    1. So what , his family is filthy rich and will be for a long time.......

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    2. so what? there's more to life then money; like raising your children, growing old with your family, and not having your own family members murdered by your hands and rivals.. pero si wey go ahead be slave to money and materialism.

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    3. 4:56 i bet chapo will give half his money for a week with his twin daughters with out being harrased. But guess what that is NEVER going to happen, and am pretty sure that makes him feel like s#/7.

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    4. Chapo was used to running the show, but now can't run anything, he can talk to the rats, that roam his cell, bet you those rats feel sorry for him. Probably going crazy in the head.

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  2. I thought Vicente was heading home soon? He still hasnt been sentenced??

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  3. More like 40 years of snitching. Now that chapo is locked up cds groupies say mayo has been #1. Hes always been #3 or 4 and he doesn't go to war like mencho or chapo. Mayo would rather fund other cartels against enemies.

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    1. His people have gone to war many times out in la Baja he sent El Niño with a hit squad to la Baja to clean up CAF

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    2. El NIÑO les calento 🔥 tijuana cuando los hermanos en los 90 eran los Gefes d todo tijuana era el cartel mas fuerte en ese tiempo. El Sr mayo tiene como 50 anos k se metio al negocio por su cuñado k era d PUERTO RICO. Senor MAYO tiene mas d 30 anos siendo gefe d Sinaloa. Senor MAYO tiene un imperio d negocios ilicitos y legales y gracias a su negocios k producen Fortunas asta la familia zambada reportaban al gobierno mexicano las fortunas k generan. En menos d 8 anos Mayo tendra sus hijos d regreso sin ser buscados x govierno y con una fortuna k ni los bis ñietos se la acaban. ZAMBADAS remind me of THE OCHOAS of colombia. Been free with all his family release from prison Mayo will die in ✌ peace of old age. Always been #2 for the public but #1for the mafia... EL HIPPIE

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    3. If mayo was #1 the cds would vfb respect him but they don't. Once chalk got locked up cds has been a big mess. If he really was running the show he wouldn't let that slide. Mencho wouldn't be taking his people and plazas... hes a capo but definitely NOT the boss of bosses or even boss of cds

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    4. Correct me if im wrontmg,but diesnt mayo own dozens of kentucky fry chicken or mcdinalds he also owns a few schools or day care centers not to mention all the other bussiness he owns

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  4. El SR Mayo Zambada is a very well protected individual .
    There is a 300 man team of Antrax Special Air Forces providing security 24 hours a day 7 days a week. These men are armed to the teeth with Grenade launchers, 50 Calibre machine guns ,anti aircraft firepower and C2 explosives. 90 are snipers trained by a CAG operative with over 170 kills in the Middle East. There is another team of Antrax inteligence Operatives monitoring any communications from Government forces. This specific group has been trained by an NSA agent and a former INTERPOL agent We have a liason in the Israeli Mossad providing information as well. Antrax Special Weapons and Tactics group have over 100 bullet proof vehicles with 50 cal guns mounted and RPG ready for any ground excursion of the Marinas.Antrax have 2 modified predator drones for air support . Our Team knows the mountains of Culiacan like the palm of their hands as they were trained by a ex Marine Recon MERC in maps ,and mountain survival.
    Gente Nueva Special Forces and Ranger units are on the 2 way radios on standby if additional support is needed.

    SICARIO 006

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    Replies
    1. 50 caliber machine guns...... thanks for the lols

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    2. 50 calibre machine guns do exist! An example is the M2 Browning.

      https://www.military.com/equipment/m2-50-caliber-machine-gun

      Sicario 006 knows his military gear and weapons.

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    3. We need these type of comments after reading everyone nuthugging either cds or cjng lol gpod laughs!

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    4. So stupid to have all that manpower for some 71 year old fart

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    5. today you proved you are 100 percent BS. 006 I’ll meet you anytime. Keep pretending to be what you are not and you will not like the results

      You and Sol seem like soulmates with your CAG bs. I will bet anything that both you and Sol never even made it to selection.

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    6. 006 you are true soldier. Salute to you senior. Your knowledge of fire power and security are expert level. Thank you for taking the time to enlighten these good people. Attn nobody.

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    7. Jajaja jaja jaja! Thank you for the laugh at 3:02 comment 006!

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    8. Sicario 006 you talk out of your ass this was the one of the funniest things I've ever seen

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    9. What cartoon does 006 watch? Chivis u bekieve this guy? Seems like alot of peoplr do on here! Same was said about chapo carrying 300 people,15 people is alot. Iv been in guadalajara with buddies that dont have anything to do with drugs,we roll deep,3 trucks with 10-15 people and people look at us like what the fuck,imagine 300! Not happenening dude,those are old tales and wanna be stories!

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    10. Es todo compa pero no ay nessisdad de revelar como cocinas el poyo. dejalos que se queden adivinado

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  5. What’s the point of making billions if you are going to live your entire live hiding in the mountains like an animal? Sleep with one eye open every night, always looking over your shoulder, always fearing your children will be massacred by your enemies. Better have a modest life working and seeing your children and grandchildren grow. Eat street tacos and sleep well, drink beer and have a good woman. Sacrificing your life in the name of greed is foolish.

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    1. He didn't plan or expect this of course but it turned out that way. Up until around 2006 with Calderon narcos werent hunted unless they really crossed the line. It was worth it back then not anymore. But I bet he does regret it now because soon when he dies he knows all his kids and family are gonna be targets in danger. He knows the aftermath. Must suck to pass away with a worried conscience.

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    2. when it's all played out & the end is near some people are at peace knowing their life will be immortalized in history. Nobody will ever forget their names or who they were. I don't think he's chasing money anymore.

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  6. A living legend and brains behind CDS rise to power. A business man who understands that business is never personal. Mayo's business savvy has allowed CDS to utilize the 2 tenets of business effiencicy and effectiveness within his organization. Y arriba mi Sinaloa...

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    Replies
    1. Please, just shut up.

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    2. @2:48 so only your opinion matters. Got it. You sound like a great person3😂🤣😂🤣😂

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    3. 5:31
      That was not an opinion.

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    4. 12:36 I second that

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  7. Because hes a hermit. All the other guys enjoyed their riches living in the city. This guy probably dosent care hed rather live in the mountains. And he admited to almost being captured several times.

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    1. Yeah i don't find any other reason, how can you find so much money but can not enjoy it with your family which is the whole point of making it. Rather be poor but have my kids free with me and enjoy a carne asada with out worries with my family when ever i want till i want not till the army shows up and have to run like an animal being Hunted infront of my kids.

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  8. This sinaloa makes mencho look like a rookie I don't support no cartel but after amado Carrillo this dude was name the most powerful drug lord in the world by DEA we got to remember this guy slapped mencho and threaten the michoacano Sh!t out Menchito in jail and he is also funding cholo in the hearth of cjng i understand michoacanos supporting this guy they been sinaloa ass cleaners for years

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    1. Lol last tine I checked mencho took la paz and half of mayo crew in that plaza. Too much hype

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    2. Jaja it wasnt mayos crew it was the left over of the damasos crew that were left without support and were running for there lifes against mayitos. The plaza still belongs to CDS

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    3. I dont get why or how mench is even in the same ballpark as chapo/mayo etc... chicago just named mencho "public enemy #1" for what thats worth (which probably isnt much)

      Chapo and mayo have been making money for over what, 40 years??? Mencho around 10?? Theres no way (imo) mencho couldve made that much $$ that quickly is there?? Also, cjng's main money maker is meth- cds has it all covered- it doesnt make sense to me- seems like mencho is being put in a spot of power to get the attention off others?? But idk shit

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    4. Lol everytime you mention cjng taking cds plaza they will say it was damasos crew

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    5. 4;11 mencho has been in the game Since a teen, he was just like key until he wanted to be #1

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    6. @4:11, Meth changed the game. It enabled Mencho to get a lot of money in a short amount of time. The profit margin on Meth was a lot higher than other drugs and Mencho was close to Nacho, who was the Crystal king during his reign.

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    7. R Kelly - you are right and you get it.
      The same zeta type of lovers were touting Lazca and Z40 (can’t even remember his name..jaja) saying they were the new Narco Kong’s! Ignacio outdid anything Mencho will ever accomplish in terms of money and years in biz; and talking about Mayo or any of the narcos in the article and Mencho is like talking professional baseball and little girl Dad pitch (Mencho).

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    8. Well the thing is CJNG along with the cuinis focused on the asain and European market they control that whole market

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    9. The Chinese controls the Asian market.

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  9. The real Mexican GodFather, repect "El Mayo"

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  10. The Esparragozas, Juan José, "El Azul" , it has been said that he died of cardiac arrest in a hospital, although that has not been proven yet. He was imprisoned.

    El Azul was not imprisoned. Sources?

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    1. He was arrested in March of 86. Spent some time in Almoloya and was transferred to another prison. You can look it up. I think he did 5 years in total.

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    2. After almoloya he did time in Reclusorio del sur, his son is around 50 now very powerful in Culiacan

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  11. MZ "El Mas Poderoso"

    arriba viejon

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  12. "Don't worry, be happy"

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  13. Even thought el mayo has backed up some bitch moves. Like the killing of el niño de oro. The war in juarez the war in tijuana. Hes the best that ever done it in mexico.

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  14. All he had to do was turn in most of his so called alies and friends.

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  15. Crazy the richest man in the world is also one of the most wanted...

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    Replies
    1. Los Valencia from Michoacán not Mayo

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    2. @8:33 he’s not the richest man in the world

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  16. He kept bribing the right people, and minimizing his exposure.

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  17. Borderland beat has been putting out some good articles recently...keep up the great work! ive been a reader of this site since 2009...you guys do great work!

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  18. Victor Emilio is Dead.

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  19. If that's the last known photo of Mayo he could of shaved hair and moustache wear sunglasses and be in plain sight and u wouldnt know. Or had plastic surgery

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  20. U would think people wouldn't do business with him considering his sons are rats meaning he prob rat also

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    1. If you have that mentality and are in his cartel they'll wipe out your entire blood line.. see how far being a brave heart gets u in the game

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  21. It's simple Mayo was always in somebodies shadow, from Aviles, to chapo and so on. Only people from the mafia knew of his actual power. Now it seems as if mencho and rafa caro are the pawns set to fall. If this is done premeditated or by chance I do not know. What I can tell u is that if he keeps it up he'll go the way of Carlo Gambino dying an old man in his home.

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  22. Keeps low profile, no extravagant lifestyle or social media presence— he knows better than to give authorities any evidence or way to track him. He’s one sharp cookie easily the most intelligent drug lord, in the way that he conducts his business. Also keeps interviews with the press to a minimum and I think the reports of this massive support army/bodyguards surrounding him at all times is exaggerated. If you have that many people around you with that kind of weaponry and war ready vehicles to easy to spot and track. The more likely scenario is he has a small group of heavily armed men much like a special forces team I.e., a four man SEAL team with him. He avoids capture by staying in the mountains where he is protected by the people who live there and they always give him some warning when the authorities are coming. With the new administration coming in in and the policies I suspect they will implement in regards to how they treat drug trafficking and drug traffickers, I don’t think they’ll catch any more of the kingpins with the exception of maybe Mencho, but as long as Mayo stays in the mountains and is supported by his peeps they’ll never catch him

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    1. I agree. Besides, he is completely comfortable in his own skin and is a man of the mountains. Not everyone enjoys some lavish outlandish lifestyle. He may very well be happy enjoying a country living, a man of the land. I know plenty of Mexican folks from very rural areas, they despise going to town. I know a man named Enrique who went ONE time to town 30 years ago and said “ thats It , never again” . he hated it , scared the crap outta him. True story. A neighbor had to take his wife into the hospital while she was having a heart attack in the middle of the night in his old beater p/up, no small feat , a 3 hour horribly rough ride outta the mtns and Enrique says “ NO way, YOU take her, I told you I am NEVER going to that town again ! “. He thought it was dirty, noisy, crowded , full of strange people , not to mention drunks and hookers ! Imagine what he would think NOW ! jajajajaja..........

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    2. Mayo only has like 4 to 6 people in the same building he in. At the distance their b group heavily arm people. If he feels their to closed to him. He walks into the sierra with 3 o 4 men never a large group. Will go into hidding in middle of the sierra only acces is by walking or helicopter. He also drop all cells and radio would do this up 4 day until he know coast is clear. I guess he figure 4 day in middle of Sierra and a lifetime in small towns is better than been capture.

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  23. Hiding? In plain sight.

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  24. As long as he doesn't do anything to piss off the U.S. then he will be fine.

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  25. Chivis how come iv never seen an article on Armando valencia leader of the old milenio cartel? That dude use to roll him and 2 buddys everywhere in guadalajara,not like nacho who hide in his homes for months!

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    1. no particular reason. It would be good to post one..

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