NEW YORK (AP) — The Latest on the New York trial of Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman (all times local):
4 p.m.
A former drug cartel member say his notorious boss got a surprise in 2001 when he broke out of prison and was met with a police escort in Mexico City.
Jesus Zambada testified Thursday at the U.S. drug-trafficking trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman (wah-KEEN' ehl CHAH'-poh gooz-MAHN') he was driving the car carrying Guzman that day while Guzman was on the run.
He told a jury Guzman appeared worried until he explained to the kingpin the police had been bribed by the cartel and were there to greet him, not bust him.
Zambada is one of several cooperators testifying against Guzman in a drug-trafficking case. The defense says the cooperators are lying to save themselves.
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3 p.m.
A government witness has admitted he was involved in carrying out killings for the Sinaloa cartel during his testimony against the notorious Mexican drug lord known as "El Chapo."
Jesus Zambada told a jury at the U.S. drug-trafficking trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman (wah-KEEN' ehl CHAH'-poh gooz-MAHN') Thursday he was never a triggerman for the cartel. But he testified he helped locate targets and relay information to assassins three times.
The witness, who has pleaded guilty, also described surviving an attempt on his own life that resulted in a shootout on a Mexico City street.
The testimony about violent turf wars came on the third day of the trial in a tightly secured New York City courthouse where Guzman's lawyers say he's being framed by cooperators.
Guzman is perhaps best known for his daring prison breaks in Mexico.
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11:40 a.m.
A former Mexican cartel member is testifying for the U.S. government at the New York City trial of the notorious drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman (wah-KEEN' ehl CHAH'-poh gooz-MAHN').
Jesus Zambada detailed on Thursday how the Sinaloa cartel paid bribes, preferably in U.S. dollars, to high-ranking police and other officials to protect its drug operation.
He said that in one instance, Guzman directed him to give $100,000 and a hug to a general.
On Wednesday, Zambada identified Guzman in the courtroom and told jurors he "was one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Mexico."
The witness described how the cartel made massive profits by smuggling tons of cocaine into the United States.
Defense lawyers say Guzman is being framed.
