Just like an action movie star, Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, the most notorious drug lord in the world managed to escape from prison despite the maximum security. This is not the first but the second time that the criminal slipped from the hands of law enforcement.
Guzman used a tunnel 1.5 kilometer in length to get out of prison, which he entered through a small hole in the shower area of his cell.
According to Alejandro Rubido, Security Commissioner of Mexico, the long tunnel was fitted with stairs and ventilated properly in order for Guzman to reach the other side safely. The officials failed to notice the underground escape route.
#Mexico #ElChapo Possible location of escape tunnel leading to house under construction in Santa Juanita subdivision pic.twitter.com/xm4soG07An
— Mexico Times Co News (@MexicoTimes) July 12, 2015
The incident resulted in the questioning of 18 employees working in Altiplano prison, which is located in Mexico. A manhunt was then conducted to catch the run-away prisoner.
The US government expressed their concern for the alarming incident. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released a statement about the escape of Guzman as he is also known for committing crimes in the country such as drug trafficking.
"The U.S. government stands ready to work with our Mexican partners to provide any assistance that may help support his swift recapture," stated Lynch.
Authorities are now working together to find El Chapo and prevent him from continuing his illegal businesses. Officials fear that if Guzman is not caught within 24 hours, he will have the chance to operate again and control the Sinaloa Cartel.
The National Security Commission revealed that Guzman was last captured by prison's security cameras in the shower area. When authorities checked his cell, the drug lord was no longer there and they were left with an open hole near the shower.
Undeniably, Guzman's escape resulted not just with worry, but also with embarrassment to the administration of Pena Nieto, which is now receiving criticisms due to the breakout.
Guzman is notorious for transporting cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. He was first captured in 1993 in Guatemala and sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug-trafficking but escaped in 2001.
El Chapo was arrested again on February 2014.
