U.S. prosecutors said Wednesday they’re discussing a potential plea deal with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, the long-elusive Mexican drug lord arrested last summer.

The alleged cofounder of the Sinaloa Cartel, in U.S. custody since his arrival in July, could strike a deal to avoid the death penalty.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, the elusive leader of Mexico's powerful Sinaloa cartel, is engaged in plea discussions with U.S. prosecutors to potentially avoid a high-profile trial. Zambada, 76, faces 17 federal charges in a Brooklyn court,

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada decided to stick with the lawyer defending him from U.S. drug trafficking charges despite a possible conflict of interest.

Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, could face the death penalty in the United States after being charged with 17 counts, including drug trafficking, conspiracy to commit murder,