Mexico plans to extradite ‘El Chapo’ to US: report

by Sarah Ferris - 01/09/16 11:45 AM ET

The Mexican government is preparing to meet the United States’ request to extradite the recently re-captured Mexican drug kingpin known as “El Chapo,” according to a report.

{mosads}Mexican officials could fulfill the extradition request for Joaquin Guzman as early as mid-year, according to Reuters.

U.S. officials have sought to bring the drug lord within its borders to prevent him from again escaping from a Mexican prison.

Guzman escaped from prison in July of last year when he tunneled his way out of a maximum security prison near Mexico City. There was a manhunt for him since summer, culminating in his capture this week.

“Mission accomplished: We have him. I want to inform the Mexicans that Joaquin Guzman Lorea has been detained,” Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto tweeted in Spanish on Friday.

Guzman is worth an estimated $1 billion.

Mexican authorities revealed Friday that Guzman’s desire to have a blockbuster movie made about his life helped lead to his capture.

Guzman had been in contact with actors and producers. The communication helped law enforcement track him down.

Guzman will be taken back to the same Altiplano prison that he escaped in July, authorities said.

Tags Drug lord El Chapo Extradition Illegal drug trade Joaquín Guzmán