After numerous escapes and false starts, US authorities are finally welcoming Joaquín Guzmán – aka ‘El Chapo’ – into the country for a court hearing.
The Mexican drug lord, who has evaded capture on more than one occasion, was extradited this week after losing an appeal in Mexico City, and will appear before a New York court today.
According to CNN, ‘stringent security measures’ have been put in place to prevent the Mexican from escaping yet again, with plans in place to close the Brooklyn Bridge as he is given secure transportation to the courtroom.
He will officially stand trial at a later date.
Long Island, NY- Drug lord El Chapo lands at @LIMacArthur Airport to face U.S. charges. pic.twitter.com/jAdhqH2WZD
— Stringer News (@Stringernews) January 20, 2017
Guzmán’s legal team have suggested comments from President-elect Donald Trump about Mexicans would make it impossible for him to receive a fair trial.
CNN cites sources familiar with the situation who have suggested this was at least in part behind Mexican authorities’ decision to extradite ‘El Chapo’ ahead of Trump’s inauguration, while guarantees are also understood to be in place to ensure he will not face the death penalty in the United States.
As reported by ABC, the alleged leader of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico is being charged under six separate indictments.
“He’s going to face justice. He’s not going to get his own prison,” former DEA administrator Jack Riley is quoted as saying by ABC.
“He’s not going to dig a tunnel out. He’s not going to bribe the officials.”
This article originally appeared on JOE.co.uk.
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