Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada has formally accepted a life sentence for his leadership role in the Sinaloa Cartel.
Defense attorneys are requesting that the judge assign him to a prison with specialized medical facilities due to his age and health.
Zambada’s decision to plead guilty early is being contrasted with the lengthy and costly trial of his former associate, Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán.
The sentencing hearing is expected to take place on July 20, following years of criminal activities and recent internal cartel violence.