Joaquín Guzmán
Joaquín Guzmán Loera, known as "El Chapo," is a Mexican convicted drug trafficker who led the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations.
Joaquín Guzmán Loera, known as "El Chapo," is a Mexican convicted drug trafficker who led the Sinaloa Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. He was captured multiple times, extradited to the United States, convicted on federal charges in 2019, and sentenced to life in prison.
Early life and rise in organized crime
Guzmán was born in La Tuna, Badiraguato, Sinaloa, with sources differing on whether his birth year was 1954 or 1957. He became involved in drug trafficking in the late 1980s and later rose to lead the Sinaloa Cartel.
Arrests and escapes
He was first captured in 1993 in Guatemala and later jailed in Mexico. Guzmán escaped from Mexican prisons twice, which made him one of the most internationally recognized fugitives in organized crime.
U.S. trial and sentence
After his 2016 capture, he was extradited to the United States in 2017. He was convicted in 2019 on federal drug-trafficking-related charges and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Public profile and legacy
Guzmán became one of the most notorious figures in global drug trafficking. His nickname "El Chapo" refers to his short stature, and his case drew extensive media attention in Mexico and abroad.
Key facts
- Guzmán became the head of the Sinaloa Cartel, a major Mexican drug trafficking organization.
- He was first captured in Guatemala in 1993 and later imprisoned in Mexico.
- He escaped from Mexican custody twice before his 2016 arrest.
- He was extradited to the United States in 2017.
- A U.S. jury found him guilty on multiple charges in February 2019, and he was sentenced to life in prison.
Canadian readers may encounter Joaquín Guzmán in coverage of transnational drug trafficking, organized crime, and cross-border law-enforcement cooperation involving North America.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Joaquín Guzmán?
Why is he called El Chapo?
When was he arrested?
Was he convicted in the United States?
Did he lead the Sinaloa Cartel?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Joaquin-Guzman-LoeraSupports: Full name, nickname, birth details, role as head of the Sinaloa Cartel, capture in 2016, extradition, trial, conviction, and life sentence.
- CNN — https://www.cnn.com/world/joaqun-el-chapo-guzmn-fast-factsSupports: Overview of Guzmán as a Mexican narcotics kingpin, extradition to the United States, 2019 conviction, and related developments.
- U.S. Department of State — https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/inl/narc/rewards/115366.htmSupports: Aliases, date of birth used by U.S. authorities, role in drug trafficking, and status as a fugitive.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-38267920Supports: Background on his capture and status as one of the most notorious drug traffickers.