'El Chapo’ Guzmán Extradition Update: Sinaloa Cartel Leader Will Not Be Extradited To US, Identity Is Confirmed

Mexico's Attorney General, Jesús Murillo Karam, has informed the press that he spoke with his counterpart in the United States, Eric Holder, to inform him that, for the time being, Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman wil not be extradited from Mexico. In a phone interview, the head of Mexico's Attorney General's Office indicated that he would first work to obtain as much information as possible from the cartel leader concerning the Sinaloa Cartel before considering extradition.

"I spoke with the American Attorney General today, he indicated [extradition] as a possibility, and I told him that it was an issue we would have to revise and that we would act in the best interests not just of Mexico but for them as well," said Karam. "We are analyzing this issue and seeing all possibilities, not just judicial ones, but also matters relating to information, intelligence and everything else we need to review. This arrest is the firts act in a much stronger push to ensure the organization does not continue its existence."

The Mexican official revealed that it was "too soon to give an opinion at this point, but, at least for the time being, I don't think he will be extradited...this is the beginning of an entire in-depth investigation that will allow us to fully erradicate the organization, it wouldn't be possible in any other way," he said. Karam also rejected the claim that American operatives were involved in the arrest, maintaining that the operation was spearheaded by Mexican marines.

Karam also said El Chapo's identity had been confirmed: "He has the same fingerprints as Joaquin Guzman Loera, the same DNA as his son and he has the same ears that he had in all previous photos and the facial features confirmed by specialists who worked for two hours on the matter, so, if there is any doubt in the matter, well, I'm not who I am either."