On March 19, personnel from the Mexican Navy (Semar) arrested Mónica Zambada Niebla, daughter of El Mayo Zambada, during an operation in El Salado, Sinaloa.
The Security Cabinet reported in a statement that the woman was released after it was confirmed that she “has no connection to criminal activities nor any outstanding warrants against her” and was handed over to her family in accordance with legal protocols.
It should be noted that, initially, both the Navy and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC) denied the woman’s release. After videos went viral in which Mexican authorities supposedly confirmed the release of the drug lord’s daughter, the official stance changed, and the events were confirmed through a statement signed by the Navy.
During the operation, federal forces were attacked after locating a property linked to the Los Mayos faction, leading to a confrontation in which 11 members of the criminal group were killed. High-powered weapons and tactical equipment were seized at the scene.
Although the Mexican government has denied any criminal activity by Mónica Zambada, a document from the U.S. Treasury Department identifies her as part of the network used by Mayo Zambada to launder drug money.
