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El Chapo
The famous drug-lord was born on April 4, 1957. In the town of Badiraguato, Mexico. He is the son of María Pérez and Emilio Guzmán Bustillos. -
Entering the drug trade.
At the age of 16 El Chapo was forced out on his own and found his way to the drug trade doing low level jobs. Although he did not know it this would be the first stepping stone to his estimated $1 billion empire. -
His first start
After two years of being in the drug trade El Chapo followed in his fathers footsteps and started growing marijuana plants for small amounts of cash. -
Rise to power
In the late 70's El Chapo quickly proved his worth and began working with a young new dealer named Héctor Luis Palma Salazar. El Chapo oversaw the movement from his home district of Sinaloa to the Southern Coastal City's. -
His ticket to the Top
In his late 20's El Chapo had proven his worth so much that he began working with another kingpin drug trafficker named Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, founder of the Guadalajara cartel. During this time El Chapo managed to keep a low profile, but that all changed when his boss was convicted of murdering a DEA agent. Soon after El Chapo was one of the new faces on the top of the cartels. -
Establishing the Sinaloa
After El Chapo's boss, Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, was convicted El Chapo inherited part of his territory and resources. With these he established his own cartel known as the Sinaloa. Unlike many other cartels his grew rapidly and quickly became a major problem. -
Price of the Power
By the early 90's El Chapo's cartel had flourished and he quickly appeared on the the DEA and FBI's radar. This however did not slow the Sinaloa down, and under his leadership the Sinaloa gained control of the entire cocaine route from South America to the United State's -
His near-mythical lore
When El Chapo was arrested by Guatemalan police and extradited to Mexico his power and control of his near-mythical empire did not cease. Even after being sentenced to 20 years in a maximum security prison he was able to run his empire by briding and threatening over 71 guards, including the warden. -
The first escape
After a long time of planning and waiting in 2001 with the help of almost 55 guards El Chapo escaped via a laundry cart. -
The Rewards
After his escape his reputation grew as one of the most "untouchable" people in all of Mexico and South America. An soon after that El Chapo strengthenned his grip on the region, which lead to his Cartel bringing in nearly $3 billion annually. Making him the #701 most wealthy person in the world. -
The Second Capture
After a brutal crack down by the US and Mexican forces lead to multiple seizures of some of his American and Mexican assets. An after a aggressive assault El Chapo was captured in Mazatlán, Mexico. When he was captured people asked if he would escape again the president of Mexico responded with his “(It) would be more than regrettable, It would be unforgivable for the government not to take the precautions to ensure that what happened last time would not be repeated.” -
The Second Escape
Less than 18 months after this statement by Mexico's president El Chapo escaped again. This time he slipped out an opening in his shower area and down a 30 foot ladder. Then ran through a network of tunnels that lead over a mile to house still under construction. -
The Trial
Once in custody El Chapo was moved to the United States where he awaited trial and in February 2019, after nearly 200 hours of testimony and 56 witness's El Chapo was found GUILTY on all ten charges. He now awaits sentencing. That date is set for June 25, 2019.
