Editorial: The Capture of “El Chapo” Guzmán 

The capture of Joaquín “el Chapo” Guzmán Loera gave a necessary break to the government of President Enrique Peña Nieto, under pressure financially because of the peso’s fall and a deteriorated international image after the spectacular escape of the drug lord, as well as the disappearance and investigation of the 43 students.

With this detention, the Mexican government partially cleans the stain left by the “El Chapo’s” escape from a maxim security prison and the popular feeling that drug lord’s freedom is the result of protection from the Peña Nieto administration. Now the question is what to do with him.

It is understandable that the Mexican government is willing to extradite him to the U.S., which had already submitted two requests in the past. There is concern not to repeat the arrogance and embarrassment of former Attorney General Murillo Karam, who refused extradition arguing that an escape was impossible.

Those who criticize the extradition are making reasonable claims. “El Chapo’s” actions cost the lives of many Mexicans, and national pride and the uneasiness of sending a native to trial in another country are valid concerns. But the drug traffic issue poses special problems.

Drug trafficking is a multinational crime, and fighting it requires a binational collaboration. That is why his trial and punishment would be under the same conditions. “El Chapo” himself bragged in his interview with Sean Penn and Kate del Castillo of being “the world’s biggest provider of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marihuana.” Crime has no borders, but neither does punishment, and it must be applied where it must be done. This will be a test for the Mexican judicial system.

Guzmán’s extradition will send a message to other drug traffickers. At the same time, it prevents embarrassments like yet another escape in a Mexico where everything seems possible.

“El Chapo’s” capture does not mean the end of the Sinaloa Cartel, even less that of drug trafficking. Because of the magnitude of the criminal operation, it has a public relations effect bigger than its significance in beheading the organization. The penetration of drug trafficking in politics, the economy and society is a more difficult battle than catching one individual.