Ismael Zambada, known as 'El Mayo,' the former top associate of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, has been sentenced to life in prison by a U.S.court for his role in leading the Sinaloa cartel.The 76-year-old drug lord was arrested in 2024 after being allegedly kidnapped by Guzman's son and brought to the U.S.on a private jet.During his sentencing, Zambada expressed remorse for his actions, acknowledging the harm caused by his criminal activities.U.S.prosecutors argued that his leadership of the cartel resulted in thousands of deaths and significant drug trafficking, including fentanyl, which contributed to the opioid crisis.The court also ordered him to forfeit $15 billion.Zambada pleaded guilty in 2025 under a deal that waived the death penalty.His health issues and advanced age were noted during the trial, with his lawyer emphasizing his lack of cooperation with authorities.This case underscores the ongoing U.S.-Mexico efforts to dismantle powerful drug cartels and hold their leaders accountable for decades of violence and corruption.