Jury selection for the trial of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, better known as "El Chapo," is set to begin Monday in New York.
Prosecutors say Guzmán, who was extradited to the U.S. in 2017, ran Mexico's Sinaloa cartel from 1989 to 2014. During that time, they allege the cartel imported more than 200 metric tons of cocaine to the U.S., along with heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana. Prosecutors also charged Guzmán in connection with the assassinations of thousands of competitors.
Guzmán pleaded not guilty to all 17 charges against him last year. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Because of the nature of the case, certain security measures are being taken to keep all potential jurors safe. The jury selection process will reportedly take place behind closed doors, with only several reporters allowed in. Once the final jurors are selected, the judge has agreed their names will not be released and federal guards will reportedly escort them to and from the courthouse every day.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin Nov. 13. The trial is expected to last for at least several months.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
