Prison Officials Increase Security To Prevent Another El Chapo Escape
Steel bars were reportedly added to the floor of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's prison cell to prevent another escape.
In July, Guzmán slipped through a hatch in the shower area of his cell at the Altiplano Federal Penitentiary in Almoloya de Juárez, Mexico and tunneled his way to freedom.
Recently recaptured, the infamous drug lord is currently being held at the same prison while authorities begin the process of extraditing him to the United States, which could reportedly take up to six years thanks to Guzmán's legal team.
According to Daily Mail, a system of cement-covered steel rods was installed within the floor of Guzmán's cell in order to stop him from once again going underground to flee the prison.
Additional security cameras were also apparently placed in the cell and will be monitored 24 hours a day by federal officers.
When Guzmán escaped over the summer, he emerged from the mile-long tunnel into a house he had built near the prison.
This time, however, guards will be on patrol at the house, where Guzmán reportedly had clothing waiting for him to avoid detection during the last escape.
Renato Sales, head of Mexico's National Safety Commission, and Mexico's police chief both praised the new security measures in Guzmán's cell.
It's important to note, however, these new security tactics would most likely be rendered useless should Guzmán utilize the most important tool in his last escape: corrupt prison workers.
Several prison officials were arrested for assisting the July operation, the success of which was likely only possible because Guzmán paid them to keep their knowledge of the tunnel secret.
Guzmán was captured Friday after the Mexican Navy raided his safe house in Sinaloa.
Yesterday, the Mexican government released heart-pounding footage of the soldiers exchanging gunfire with Guzmán's operatives, five of whom were reportedly killed.
Citations: 'There'll be no third great escape': Mexico insists El Chapo will NOT break out of prison again as jail is reinforced with ring of steel (Daily Mail)
