El Chapo trial: Tight security in New York as jury selection begins for notorious Mexican drug lord

Mr Guzman faces 17 federal charges and has pleaded not guilty

Jury selection has begun in New York City ahead of the trial for alleged Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

Questioning of potential jurors began on Monday, with the pool being questioned about their attitudes on drug trafficking, and how much attention they had paid to the news reports that have documented the notorious figure.

US prosecutors have accused Mr Guzman of overseeing a multi-billion-dollar drug empire, which enforced its dominance over the drug market in Mexico through ruthless campaign of murders and kidnappings of rivals.

Mr Guzman is also known for having escaped jail twice in Mexico, including one instance in which an extensive underground tunnel was built to just below the shower in his cell. Mr Guzman made that escape – his second – in 2016, when he climbed through a 2ft by 2ft hole and into an elaborate tunnel that extends nearly a mile.

But Mr Guzman’s trial in Brooklyn features an extensive security apparatus, with officials prepared should the accused’s supporters attempt to free their jailed leader for a third time.

Outside of the federal court in Brooklyn, patrols of heavily armed police officers and guards could be seen.

Mr Guzman, who prosecutors have described as the most notorious criminal of modern time, had previously pleaded not guilty on 17 US charges. Those include charges on alleged murder conspiracy, operating a continuing criminal enterprise, and several drug-related crimes including use of firearms and money-laundering.

“Who is Chapo Guzman?” US Attorney Robert Capers of the Eastern District of New York asked rhetorically while addressing reporters before his arraignment in January. “In short, he is a man who has known no other life than one of crime, violence, death and destruction.”

Mr Guzman was extradited to the United States just a day before that arraignment, in January.

An email to Mr Guzman’s lawyer requesting comment on Monday’s jury selection was not immediately returned.