Mexican cartel leader kidnaps powerful drug lord on the way to turn himself in

The arrest of two powerful Mexican drug lords sparked a series of events that sound as if they came out of a Hollywood script.

According to Newsweek, Mexican authorities are now considering filing treason charges against Joaquín Guzmán López, son of the infamous cartel leader Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, after he abducted another drug lord on the way to the United States to turn himself in.

López, 38, had been in talks with U.S. officials about turning himself in and recently pleaded not guilty to drug-trafficking-related charges in Chicago.

As he arranged a private flight to the United States to surrender himself, he reportedly snatched Zambada, 76, a powerful cartel leader of the Sinaloa cartel, and took him to the U.S. alongside himself.

López abducted the elderly, yet powerful drug lord and took him via private plane to El Paso, Texas, where both men were immediately arrested by authorities.

The Mexican Attorney General's Office was not thrilled with the abduction of the drug lord and is now considering leveling serious charges against the other.

Newsweek noted:

On Sunday, Mexico's Attorney General's Office said it had opened a criminal investigation "for the possible crimes of illegal flight, illicit use of airports, immigration and customs violations, kidnapping, treason, and any other crimes that may apply," the AP reported.

It was reported that in Mexico, treason is not only defined as aiding a foreign enemy but also "as abducting someone to deliver them to another country's authorities."

Those convicted of treason charges in Mexico face up to 40 years in prison.

It's unknown exactly why López abducted the other drug lord on his way to the United States, but many believe the obvious reason would be for him to secure some level of leniency with U.S. authorities as he turned himself in.

Zambada has a long criminal history in the United States and is definitely a prize for U.S. authorities to capture.

Newsweek noted:

Zambada was indicted in 2012 on murder and conspiracy charges connected with drug trafficking, money laundering and organized crime. One of his top allies and fellow Sinaloa co-founder El Chapo was convicted in federal court in 2019 after being extradited by Mexican authorities and sentenced to life in prison.

His extensive and dangerous criminal history led to the Justice Department offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Only time will tell if Mexico gets to pursue treason charges against López for his actions.