U.S. Department of Justice Announces Extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, Son of Former Sinaloa Cartel Leader “El Chapo” Guzman Loera

The United States Department of Justice has announced the extradition of Ovidio Guzman Lopez, the son of former Sinaloa Cartel leader Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman Loera, to the United States.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday night that the extradition was the most recent step in the Justice Department’s effort to attack every aspect of the cartel’s operations. Lopez has been linked to violence and the drug trade.

The extradition comes just two days after Emma Coronel Aispuro, the wife of “El Chapo,” was released from a federal prison in Texas after serving a three-year sentence for helping to run her husband’s drug operation.

Garland said the fight against the cartels has involved incredible courage by United States law enforcement and their Mexican counterparts. He added that the extradition of Lopez is a sign of the strength of the partnership between the two countries.

Lopez is currently in federal custody in Chicago and is facing drug trafficking charges. It is unclear when he will appear in court. The Justice Department has not yet released any further details about the extradition or the charges against Lopez.