El Chapo is a Scapegoat for Zambada: Defense Attorney Lichtman

Accused Mexican drug lord Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, 61, is a scapegoat, leading defense attorney Jeffrey Lichtman told a New York jury Tuesday, the first day of trial.

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“He’s blamed for being the leader while the real leaders are living freely and openly in Mexico,” Lichtman said, adding that the true culprit is the kingpin of the Sinaloa Cartel, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.

Prosecuting Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Fels outlined the case for jurors, promising to prove Guzman’s journey from low-level marijuana trafficking in the 1970’s to leading the Sinaloa Cartel. Fels continue on to say he planned to illustrate the relationships established with Colombian drug rings which contributed to billions of dollars in cocaine trafficking.

Lichtman defended his client, saying, “In truth he controlled nothing. Mayo Zambada did.”

Zambada has been overlooked by Mexican authorities as a result of the bribes distributed throughout every level of government, including incumbent President Enrique Pena Nieto, the attorney said.

Lichtman urged jurors to “keep an open mind” and consider that both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement could be corrupt.

“They work together when it suits them, Mayo (Zambada) and the United States government,” he said.

Statements from Pena Nieto’s spokesman completely denied these allegations.

Guzman is considered to be one of the most famous traffickers in the world for orchestrating the transfer of 457 tons of drugs reaping a profit of US$14 billion dollars. He faces 17 criminal counts and a possible life sentence if he is convicted.

The prosecutors’ witnesses are expected to include former Guzman associates who are now cooperating with the U.S. government in exchange for more favorable treatment, likely including Zambada’s brother Jesus “El Rey” Zambada and son Vicente Zambada.