His brother Ovidio Guzman had already pleaded guilty in July to drug trafficking conspiracy and participation in a criminal organization. Together with their brothers, known as “Los Chapitos”, they took over their father’s activities within the powerful Sinaloa cartel. “El Chapo” himself is serving a life sentence in Colorado.
Joaquin Guzman Lopez was arrested in July 2024 upon his arrival in Texas on a private plane, along with cartel co-leader Ismael “Mayo” Zambada. He stated that he had been brought to the US against his will. After the arrest, violent clashes flared between the Guzman and Zambada factions, with some 1,200 dead and 1,400 missing in Mexico, according to official figures.
After the arrest, violent clashes flared between the Guzman and Zambada factions, with some 1,200 dead and 1,400 missing in Mexico, according to official figures. © Reuters
El Chapo in ten facts
Full name: His name is Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera and he was born on April 4, 1957 in La Tuna, Badiraguato, Mexico.
Nickname: His nickname “El Chapo” means “The Little One”, referring to his height of approximately 1.68 meters.
Beginning of his career: He started in the 1980s as an associate of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, Mexico’s biggest drug lord at the time.
Own cartel: After the arrest of Félix Gallardo, he founded the Sinaloa Cartel, which became one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world.
Forbes list: In 2009, he appeared on Forbes’ list of billionaires thanks to his huge income from drug trafficking.
Prison escapes: He escaped from prison several times spectacularly, including via a mile-long tunnel that led to his cell.
Trial in the US: In 2017 he was extradited to the United States. In 2019, he was sentenced to life in prison plus 30 years.
Secret passages: There were secret passages and tunnels in his houses, including a hidden exit under a bathtub.
Fentanylhandel: The Sinaloa cartel is accused by the US of large-scale trafficking in fentanyl, a synthetic drug that has caused tens of thousands of deaths.
Cultural impact: His trial and life story inspired countless books, documentaries and series, including storylines in “Narcos”.