Mexican drug lord and serial prison escapee, Joaquin Guzman, most prominently known as ‘El Chapo’, has been extradited by the Mexican government to the United States to stand trial for his notorious drug running career.

El Chapo escaped from custody in Mexico twice – the first time for over a decade – and has gained near mythical status in his homeland for his outlandish prison breaks.

He was recaptured in January last year after he escaped once again and rather than risk another embarrassing escape, the Mexican government has decided to turn him over to face numerous charges outstanding against him in US courts.

He was handed over to a US task force comprising Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, US Marshalls and Immigration officials late Thursday. He would tentatively be held in a jail in Manhattan whilst he faces charges in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.