El Mayo Zambada, born as Jesús Alfredo Guzmán López, began his career in the late 1970s as a low-level smuggler in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. He started by transporting marijuana across the border into the United States, using his knowledge of the terrain and local connections to evade authorities. His meticulous planning and careful execution of operations quickly caught the attention of the Sinaloa Cartel, leading to his induction into the organization.

As the Sinaloa Cartel grew in power and influence, so did El Mayo Zambada’s reputation. By the early 1990s, he had risen through the ranks to become one of the cartel’s top lieutenants, known for his strategic acumen and ruthless efficiency. His fame within the criminal underworld was solidified when he played a pivotal role in the cartel’s expansion into new territories and the development of sophisticated smuggling routes into the United States.

El Mayo Zambada’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, El Mayo Zambada’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion, according to Forbes. This makes him one of the wealthiest and most powerful drug lords in the world.

Career

El Mayo Zambada, born Jesús Pablo Guzmán Loera, is a Mexican drug lord and the current leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. He began his career in the late 1980s, working under Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. In the 1990s, he joined forces with Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán to form the Sinaloa Cartel, which became one of the most powerful and ruthless drug trafficking organizations in the world.

Other Ventures

In addition to his involvement in the drug trade, El Mayo Zambada has been known to invest in legitimate businesses, such as cattle ranching and real estate. He has also been reported to have interests in the mining industry. These ventures are believed to serve as a way to launder money and further expand his empire.

Assets

El Mayo Zambada’s assets are believed to include numerous properties in Mexico and other countries, as well as a vast fleet of vehicles, including luxury cars and private planes. He is also known to have access to a sophisticated network of tunnels used for smuggling drugs into the United States.

Annual Income

El Mayo Zambada’s exact annual income is difficult to determine due to the illicit nature of his business. However, it is estimated that the Sinaloa Cartel generates billions of dollars in revenue each year from drug trafficking. Given his role as the leader of the organization, it is safe to assume that El Mayo Zambada’s annual income is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions about  El Mayo Zambada

Frequently Asked Questions: El Mayo Zambada Net Worth

1. Who is El Mayo Zambada?

El Mayo Zambada, whose real name is Ismael Zambada García, is a Mexican drug lord and the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations in the world.

2. How did El Mayo Zambada get his nickname?

El Mayo Zambada’s nickname is believed to have originated from his fondness for wearing military-style clothing and boots, similar to those worn by Mexican soldiers (soldados) in the past.

3. What is El Mayo Zambada’s role in the Sinaloa Cartel?

El Mayo Zambada is the co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, alongside Chapo Guzmán. He is responsible for the organization’s drug trafficking operations in Mexico and has played a significant role in expanding the cartel’s influence in the United States.

4. What is El Mayo Zambada’s net worth?

El Mayo Zambada’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 billion.

5. How did El Mayo Zambada amass his wealth?

El Mayo Zambada’s wealth comes primarily from his involvement in the drug trade. He has been accused of trafficking large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana, both within Mexico and to the United States.

6. Is El Mayo Zambada in prison?

No, El Mayo Zambada is not currently in prison. He remains at large and is considered one of the most wanted fugitives by Mexican and U.S. authorities.

7. What are the charges against El Mayo Zambada?

El Mayo Zambada is wanted in both Mexico and the United States on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, and homicide. The U.S. Department of Justice has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest.

8. What is El Mayo Zambada’s relationship with Chapo Guzmán?

El Mayo Zambada and Chapo Guzmán were co-leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel. They worked together to expand the cartel’s operations and maintain its dominance in the Mexican drug trade. However, there have been reports of tensions and power struggles between the two men.

9. Is El Mayo Zambada married?

Yes, El Mayo Zambada is believed to be married and have a large family. However, little is known about his personal life due to the secretive nature of his operations and the danger posed by his criminal activities.

10. What is the significance of the Sinaloa Cartel in the Mexican drug trade?

The Sinaloa Cartel, led by El Mayo Zambada and Chapo Guzmán, is one of the most powerful and influential drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It has played a significant role in the country’s drug-related violence and has had a substantial impact on the flow of illicit drugs into the United States.