Mexico: 6 arrested in connection with drug lord El Chapo Guzman's escape

The brother-in-law of Mexican drug baron Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who is said to have organised his escape from prison on 11 July, has been arrested along with five people, including the pilot, who flew the head of the Sinaloa drug cartel to his home state and his stronghold. Guzman's brother-in-law is said to have supervised the construction of a one-mile tunnel that led to Guzman's shower in Altiplano prison and also organised transportation for his escape.

"Today we are able to affirm that the group responsible for planning, organising and carrying out the escape from outside the prison has been broken up," Mexican attorney general Arely Gomez was quoted as saying by the BBC.

Gomez said Guzman's brother-in-law gave orders and made payments to others involved in the escape and also kept the prisoner informed of the operation's progress. After his escape from Altiplano prison, Guzman was taken to Queretaro state, from where he was flown to the mountainous area of Sinaloa. The pilot, who flew Guzman, had earlier flown narcotics for his drug cartel. A second pilot has also been arrested, who according to the federal official, was flying a second Cessna aircraft from Queretaro as a decoy.

Gomez also said Guzman's jailbreak was planned in cahoots with officials inside the maximum-security Altiplano prison. Until now, about 23 prison officials and employees have also been arrested. However, she did not name any of the "key" suspects, who have been arrested.

The manhunt for Guzman continues. Security agents, who are focusing on Sinaloa and Durango state, have said that Guzman has injured his leg and face when fleeing from police officers.

Guzman was captured in February 2014 after a 13-year manhunt. His latest escape from Altiplano prison has once again made him Mexico's most wanted fugitive. This was his second prison break. Back in 2001, Guzman had escaped from a prison, reportedly in a laundry cart.