Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, a key figure in the Sinaloa drug cartel, pleaded not guilty to serious charges including drug trafficking and money laundering during a court appearance in Brooklyn, echoing the conviction of his co-founder 'El Chapo' Guzman. U.S. Magistrate Judge James Cho ordered Zambada, 76, to be held in custody until trial, emphasizing the threat he poses if released. His arrest on July 25, alongside Joaquin Guzman Lopez, has resulted in violent unrest in Sinaloa, with reports of at least 12 fatalities linked to shootouts. Zambada, who has evaded capture for over two decades, faces a 17-count indictment, with U.S. prosecutors highlighting his pivotal role in expanding the cartel's operations. The case has drawn significant attention due to the ongoing opioid crisis in the U.S. and Zambada's historical influence in the drug trade.