Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán was apprehended by the Mexican Navy in a beach resort area of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on February 22, 2014, after more than 13 years on the run.
The Manhunt and Capture
His capture was the culmination of an extensive and painstaking manhunt conducted by Mexican security forces. They meticulously closed in on his whereabouts through a combination of sophisticated intelligence gathering and collaborative efforts.
Key Intelligence and Surveillance Methods
The authorities utilized several critical methods to track down the elusive drug lord:
- Informant Tips: Vital information was provided by individuals with knowledge of his movements, hiding places, and network, offering crucial leads to investigators.
- Wiretap Phone Calls: Authorities intercepted and monitored numerous phone communications. These wiretaps provided significant insights into his operations, associates, and, most importantly, his potential locations.
- Confessions from Close Associates: Once members of his inner circle were apprehended, their confessions and testimonies provided direct and actionable intelligence. These admissions from individuals who worked closely with him were instrumental in narrowing down the search.
These integrated intelligence efforts allowed Mexican security forces to piece together the puzzle of Guzmán's highly guarded and constantly changing presence, ultimately leading them to his specific hideout in Mazatlán, where he was finally arrested.
