In the US trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin „El Chapo“ Guzman, after a three-month trial, the jury withdrew to their deliberations on the verdict. New York Judge Brian Cogan gave the twelve jurors a number of instructions yesterday before beginning their consultations. Their duration is no time limit set.
Guzman is charged with drug trafficking, arms trafficking and money laundering, among others. According to the indictment, the Sinaloa cartel under his leadership allegedly smuggled nearly 155 tons of cocaine and large quantities of other drugs into the United States between 1989 and 2014. The 61-year-old has to expect a life sentence.
The process of „strong security“ against „El Chapo“ had begun in early November. During the mammoth trial, the prosecution summoned more than 50 witnesses. She also provided hundreds of documents and dozens of eavesdropped phone calls. Many witnesses described down to the grisly details the violence of the powerful drug cartel. They also described how the cartel bribed Mexican police, military and government employees.
