El Chapo Guzman Update: Mexican Court Denies Writ of Amparo Extradition for Sinaloa Cartel Leader

'El Chapo' Guzmán's extradition is looking more and more unlikely. In light of the fact that no official extradition request has been made against the Sinaloa Cartel leader, a Mexican judge has denied a writ of amparo put forward by his defense team to prevent his extradition. The Eight District Court Judge of Penal Matters in Mexico City revealed that the amparo 200/2014, made by Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera against his extradition has been denied.

The Mexican court had originally granted a suspension of the amparo while an investigation into 'El Chapo's possible extradition to various countries was conducted. However, after speaking with relevant authorities - including president Enrique Peña Nieto, the Government Secretary, the Attorney General, the Subsecretary for American Relations, the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of Defense - the court determined that no formal extradition request existed and as such the claim was dropped.

The writ of amparo is a law exclusive to the Mexican justic system that provides protection against any act by Mexican authorities. 'El Chapo' has charges pending in New York, Illinois, California and Texas. In the event that the United States does demand 'El Chapo's extradition, they would use as a basis for the request charges made against the Sinaloa Cartel leader going back almost twenty years. The charges range from drug trafficking, cocaine possession and money laundering.