'Notorious and dangerous' drug trafficker know for gruesome assassinations up for murder charges in New York

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the notorious leader of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel , has entered a not guilty plea to a 17-count indictment in New York, which includes charges of narcotics trafficking and murder.

Prosecutors have described Zambada in a letter to the judge as " one of the world's most notorious and dangerous drug traffickers ."

His legal representatives submitted the not-guilty plea for him. Zambada, who had been a target for US law enforcement for over 20 years, has been under American custody since July 25.

• Barry Keoghan slammed for 'offensive' Irish mistake and is 'fighting' to keep his accent - but fans rush to his defense

• Liam Neeson opens up on troubled relationship with hometown in sad eight-word admission

"The defendant maintained an arsenal of military-grade weapons to protect his person, his drugs, and his empire ," prosecutors penned. "His heavily armed private security forces were used as his personal bodyguards and as protection for drug shipments throughout Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, and beyond.

"He maintained a stable of 'sicarios,' or hitmen, who carried out gruesome assassinations and kidnappings aimed at maintaining discipline within his organization , protecting against challenges from rivals, and silencing those who would cooperate with law enforcement."

Zambada was apprehended alongside another wanted cartel figure, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, upon arriving by private plane near El Paso.

In an unexpected twist, Zambada claims he was forcefully abducted in Mexico and transported to the US by Guzman Lopez, who is the son of the jailed Sinaloa co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

• Dave Grohl’s wife Jordyn Blum drops major hint marriage is over while strolling in LA amid love child scandal

• Barron Trump described in three words by people who attended a private dinner with him

During the court session, Zambada relied on a Spanish interpreter but largely remained silent . He spoke briefly only to confirm his understanding of the legal proceedings and his well-being, where he said he felt "fine, fine".

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

After the session, Zambada needed slight help rising from his seat but exited the courtroom on his own without further aid.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .