The notorious 's kingpin has been arrested and now a spine-chilling statement he made some 14 years back has resurfaced. Known as El Mayo, Ismael Zambada Garcia reportedly surrendered "calmly" to on-the-prowl FBI agents in Texas in the the early hours of thsi morning. His predecessor, , has lived a life of lavish extravagance even while in prison – regular visits from sex workers, movie nights, gourmet meals, and wild parties.
Garcia can expect a similarly luxurious lifestyle behind bars. However, it's likely that he might not have to warm his cell bed for an extended period if he agrees to speak to the law enforcement authorities. While Guzman held the spotlight as the cartel's head, Zambada pulled the strings behind the scenes.
He managed logistics, private jets, speed boats, and even subs to transport Colombian cocaine to Mexico and then into US territory. He once swore that that he'd never be taken alive. In a 2010 interview with Mexican magazine Proceso, he gave a chilling response when asked what he'd do if he were locked up – four simple words: "I would kill myself".
He added that the thought of imprisonment scared the living daylights out of him. Always keeping a lower profile than his flashy former boss, El Chapo, Zambada is almost a decade older. Despite spearheading what US prosecutors refer to as "one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organisations in the world", he has managed to steer clear of being linked with gruelling acts such as decapita.