Brazen jailbreak of “El Chapo” Guzmán

The escape by Mexico’s most powerful drug lord from a top security jail, for a second time, is a humiliating blow to President Enrique Peña Nieto and raises new concerns about corruption in Mexican law enforcement

MEXICO
U.S.
Mexico City
Altiplano jail
Puente Grande prison: Guzmán escaped in 2001. Recaptured in 2014

500km
300 miles

1 Jul 11, 8:52pm (local time): Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán seen on video
before entering his cell’s shower area

2. Slips through opening 50cm wide and 1.5m deep, leading to vertical shaft

3. Descends ladder through 10m-deep shaft 

4. Escapes via tunnel 1.7m high, 70-80cm wide and 1.5km long, equipped with lighting and PVC piping for ventilation

5.
Guzmán surfaces at house under construction near local town, outside prison walls

Motorbike mounted on rails used to carry out excavated dirt during tunnel’s construction

End of tunnel

1.5km
10m
1.5m

Source: National Security Commission
Picture: AP, Getty Images