Suspected drug lord Ovidio Guzmán. Photo: Google

By KELIN DILLON

On Friday, Sept. 15, Ovidio Guzmán – the son of notorious former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzmán – was extradited to the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice first requested Guzmán’s extradition back in February, when it announced a slew of indictments, including money laundering and drug trafficking, against the so-called “Chapito.”

While extraditions from Mexico to the United States can often take years, Guzmán’s extradition only took five months, a turnaround even faster than his father’s.

According to a statement from Homeland Security Adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall, Guzmán’s speedy extradition “is testament to the significance of the ongoing cooperation between the American and Mexican governments on countering narcotics and other vital challenges.” 

On Monday, Sept. 18, Guzmán officially pleaded not guilty to the charges levied against him during his first appearance in U.S. court.

If convicted on all charges, Guzmán could face serving several consecutive life sentences in U.S. prison.