14 February 2019 10:38 am
Mexican drug boss Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman was convicted on Tuesday by a US jury for smuggling narcotics into the United States
over decades.
Guzman, 61, was found guilty on all 10 counts, after a three-month trial in New York. The main count, “engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise,” was for trafficking tens of thousands of kilograms of drugs into the US.
He was also convicted of a slew of other drug-smuggling charges, conspiracy to commit murder and money-laundering conspiracy.
The conviction showed “what is possible when law enforcement works collectively and coordinates their efforts” said acting US Marshal Bryan Mullee in a statement, with FBI Director Christopher Wray adding that “justice has been served.”
Guzman’s lawyer Jeffrey Lichtman told reporters outside court that the verdict was unfair and that “of course” they would appeal, adding “the fight
isn’t over.”
Guzman listened intently as the verdict was read out by the judge and looked across at his wife, beauty queen Emma Coronel, who was sitting in the public gallery, as he was led away after the verdict was read.
He made a thumbs-up gesture at Coronel before he left.
New York (dpa) 13 Feb 2019