The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, leader of one of the world’s deadliest cartels, has pleaded guilty. DEA Administrator Terrance Cole stated, "Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada led one of the world’s deadliest cartels, pumping fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and meth into our communities. His guilty plea proves no cartel boss is beyond the reach of justice."
Cole added, "By taking him down, we are protecting American families and cutting off a pipeline of poison. DEA and our partners will not stop until every cartel network is dismantled.”
The DEA highlighted its efforts to combat drug trafficking, noting that in 2024, they seized over 60 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, equivalent to more than 380 million lethal doses. In 2025, fentanyl seizures represent over 232 million deadly doses.
The DEA is also focusing on community outreach and drug prevention education, providing resources for parents, educators, and caregivers. They offer tip sheets for discussing the dangers of substance use with children of all ages. The DEA also maintains a list of most wanted fugitives for alleged federal violations of controlled substances laws, including Nemesio Oseguera-Cervantes and Jesus Alfredo Guzman-Salazar.
The DEA’s mission is to ensure the safety and health of American communities by combating criminal drug networks. This includes outreach, prevention, engagement, and education with law enforcement partners and communities across the nation.