Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, Mexico's most infamous drug kingpin, was imprisoned in a highly secure facility. Despite the security, El Chapo's cartel constructed a sophisticated tunnel to his cell, using primitive tools to avoid detection. The tunnel was over a mile long, with reinforced walls, a ventilation system, and a motorcycle to transport El Chapo to freedom. On July 12, 2015, El Chapo escaped through the tunnel, changing into clean clothes and fleeing with his crew.
However, months later, Mexican officials tracked El Chapo to a safe house, where he was arrested after a confrontation with police. In a desperate attempt to escape, El Chapo tried to bribe the officers, but they refused and took him into custody. Just as a group of assassins arrived to rescue El Chapo, Mexican marines intervened, and El Chapo was recaptured.
Two years later, Mexico approved El Chapo's extradition to the United States, where he faces life in prison. Despite his notorious reputation, El Chapo was eventually reduced to a sobbing mess, begging for leniency from U.S. justice officials.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. A tunnel was dug under the Mexican countryside to help Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman escape from prison.
2. The tunnel was 30 feet below the prison's main yard and was dug using pickaxes and shovels.
3. The tunnel crew worked in secret, using a small plot of land purchased by El Chapo's cartel as a cover.
4. The tunnel was constructed over several months, with the crew working carefully to avoid detection.
5. The tunnel was sophisticated, with reinforced walls, a ventilation system, and a motorcycle track.
6. El Chapo was a model prisoner, maintaining a cordial attitude with his guards and fellow inmates.
7. The tunnel was completed in 16 months, and El Chapo escaped through it on July 12, 2015.
8. El Chapo rode a motorcycle through the tunnel and emerged at a nearby house.
9. The tunnel was 1 mile long and had a ventilation system that pumped fresh air through it.
10. The tunnelers transferred dirt from the tunnel to the surface, where it was spread out to avoid drawing attention.
11. El Chapo was recaptured months after his escape, after his safe house was discovered by Mexican officials.
12. El Chapo attempted to bribe the police officers who captured him, but they refused his offers.
13. The police officers were warned that 40 heavily armed assassins were on their way to free El Chapo, but they were able to hold their ground with the help of Mexican marines.
14. El Chapo was extradited to the United States and faces life in prison.
15. El Chapo was known for his history of escaping from prison and evading police raids.