May Zambada & Viceroy: Post-Jail Relationship
- Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, alias "The Viceroy," find themselves as neighbors within the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York.
- Following the death of Amado Carrillo Fuentes, "The Lord of the Heavens," in July 1997, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes assumed leadership of the Juarez Cartel.
- According to journalist Anabel Hernández, in her book "The Traitor," Vicente Carrillo Fuentes reportedly sought authorization from Zambada before engaging in significant drug negotiations.
From Allies to Cellmates: The Tumultuous Relationship of “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Viceroy” Carrillo Fuentes

Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, alias “The Viceroy,” find themselves as neighbors within the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York. This proximity belies a complex history, one that evolved from a partnership at the helm of the Sinaloa and Juarez cartels to the present reality of incarceration.
The Succession and a Godfather’s Blessing
Following the death of Amado Carrillo Fuentes, “The Lord of the Heavens,” in July 1997, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes assumed leadership of the Juarez Cartel. This transition, according to some accounts, occurred with the blessing of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
According to journalist Anabel Hernández, in her book “The Traitor,” Vicente Carrillo Fuentes reportedly sought authorization from Zambada before engaging in significant drug negotiations. Hernández suggests this deference stemmed from Zambada’s extensive connections within the mexican military, which enabled him to evade capture for decades.
Friendship and Shared Territories
Information from Vicente Zambada Niebla’s (alias “Vicentillo”) journals and confessions from lawyer Fernando Gaxiola, suggest the relationship between “El Mayo” and “The Viceroy” extended beyond business.Gaxiola stated that Vicente Carrillo Fuentes also lived in Quebec, where “My father went and went from Quebec… at that time (2001-2003) They were still friends”.

The federation and Shifting Alliances
Around 2002, the Sinaloa, Beltrán Leyva, Milenio, and Juárez cartels reportedly formed a coalition known as the Federation. This alliance aimed to divide territories and control drug trafficking routes.
According to Gaxiola’s testimony, the Federation was led by Arturo Beltrán Leyva, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, Juan José Esparragoza Moreno, Ignacio Coronel, and Ismael Zambada García.
“El Mayo” and “The Viceroy” allegedly collaborated to ship tons of cocaine to Chicago with the assistance of Tirso Martínez, known as “The Footballer.” Simultaneously, Rodolfo Carrillo Fuentes, brother of Amado and Vicente, began working with the gulf cartel and Los Zetas, leading to conflicts with the Sinaloa Cartel.
A Deadly Rift
The relationship between Zambada and Carrillo Fuentes fractured after Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, with Zambada’s approval, ordered the killing of Rodolfo Carrillo Fuentes in September 2004. The Juarez Cartel retaliated on December 31 of the same year,assassinating Arturo Guzmán Loera inside the Altiplano prison.
According to statements attributed to his brother Reynaldo, “Rodolfo is dead and I am with him,” said Mayo Zambada.
The ensuing conflict escalated into a bloody war, notably intense between 2008 and 2011.

Arrest and Potential Cooperation
Vicente Carrillo Fuentes was apprehended on Oct. 9, 2014, in Torreón, Coahuila.He was initially held at the Puente Grande prison, serving a 28-year sentence, before being extradited to the United States on Feb. 27 along with 28 other alleged drug traffickers.
Recent reports suggest “The viceroy” may be negotiating a plea agreement with U.S. prosecutors. This could potentially lead to his testimony in a future trial against “El Mayo” Zambada, who was arrested on July 25, 2024, and is awaiting a hearing scheduled for June 16, 2025.
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From Allies to Cellmates: A Look into the Tumultuous Relationship of “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Viceroy”
This is a deep dive into the complex history of two prominent figures in the world of Mexican drug cartels: Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Vicente Carrillo fuentes, also known as “El Viceroy.” Their story is one of shifting alliances, betrayals, and the ultimate consequence: imprisonment.
Q&A: Exploring the Lives and Relationship of “El Mayo” and “El Viceroy”
Q: Who are “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Viceroy” Carrillo Fuentes?
A: Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada is one of the most enduring figures in the Sinaloa cartel,a powerful drug trafficking organization based in Mexico. He’s known for his ability to evade capture for decades.Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, “El Viceroy,” was the leader of the Juarez Cartel, another major criminal group. Their relationship spanned from partnership to bitter rivals.Both men are currently incarcerated in the United States.
Q: what was the initial relationship between “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Viceroy” like?
A: Initially, their relationship was one of partnership. After the death of Amado Carrillo Fuentes (the “Lord of the Heavens,” and Vicente’s brother), in July 1997, “El Viceroy” took over the Juarez Cartel. Some accounts suggest this transition occurred with the blessing of “El Mayo” Zambada, highlighting a degree of respect and possibly even deference between them, at least initially. Journalist Anabel Hernández claims, in her book “The Traitor”, that “El Viceroy” even sought Zambada’s approval before crucial drug negotiations.
Q: How did their partnership evolve? Were they friends?
A: Information suggests their relationship extended beyond business. Evidence from Vicente Zambada Niebla’s (alias “Vicentillo”) journals,and lawyer Fernando gaxiola,suggests that their connection extended beyond the business world. “El Viceroy” is said to have lived in Quebec where the men were friends.
Q: What brought about the formation of The Federation?
A: Around 2002, the Sinaloa, Beltrán Leyva, Milenio, and Juárez cartels formed a powerful alliance known as “The Federation”. The primary goal? to divide territories and control drug trafficking routes,solidifying their power in the drug trade.
Q: Who were the key figures in “The Federation”?
A: According to testimony,the leaders of “the Federation” were Arturo Beltrán Leyva,Vicente Carrillo Fuentes,Juan José Esparragoza Moreno,Ignacio Coronel,and Ismael Zambada García.
Q: How did “El Mayo” and “El Viceroy” collaborate within ”The Federation?”
A: Allegedly the two men worked together to ship tons of cocaine to Chicago. This operation was said to be assisted by Tirso Martínez, who was known as “The Footballer”.
Q: What caused the rift between “El Mayo” and “El Viceroy”?
A: The relationship deteriorated after Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, with the apparent approval of “El Mayo” Zambada, ordered the killing of Rodolfo Carrillo Fuentes, Vicente’s brother, in September 2004. The Juarez Cartel retaliated by assassinating Arturo Guzmán Loera (likely a relative of El Chapo), inside the Altiplano prison on December 31 of the same year.
Q: What were the consequences of the rivalry between “El Mayo” and “El Viceroy”?
A: The deaths of Rodolfo Carrillo Fuentes’s and Arturo Guzmán Loera caused the relationship to fracture. The ensuing conflict sparked a bloody war between the two cartels, especially between 2008 and 2011.
Q: When and where was vicente Carrillo Fuentes arrested?
A: Vicente Carrillo Fuentes was apprehended on October 9,2014,in Torreón,Coahuila,Mexico.
Q: What is the current status of “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Viceroy” Carrillo Fuentes?
A: both men are currently incarcerated in the United States. “El Viceroy” was extradited on Feb. 27, 2024. “El Mayo” Zambada was arrested on July 25, 2024 and is awaiting a hearing scheduled for June 16, 2025. Both men are in a neighboring wing of the Metropolitan Correctional Center (MCC) in New York.
Q: Is there a possibility of “El Viceroy” testifying against “El Mayo”?
A: Recent reports indicate Vicente “El Viceroy” Carrillo Fuentes may be negotiating a plea agreement with U.S. prosecutors. This agreement could potentially involve him providing testimony in a future trial against “El Mayo” Zambada. If this were to happen, it would be a major advancement in the ongoing legal battles against leaders of the Mexican drug cartels.
