In July 2015, Joaquín Guzmán, better known as 'El Chapo,' made a spectacular escape from the Altiplano maximum-security prison in Mexico, where he was serving a life sentence for his role in leading the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the world's most powerful criminal organizations. His escape was facilitated by an elaborate tunnel that extended from the prison to a house about a mile away, showcasing the extensive resources and planning behind cartel operations. Guzmán's flight from justice raised significant concerns about corruption within the Mexican prison system and highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating drug trafficking in the country.

After months on the run, Guzmán was captured on January 8, 2016, in Mazatlán, a coastal city in Sinaloa, Mexico. His recapture followed a series of investigations and intelligence work by Mexican authorities, who tracked him down to a modest house near a resort area. The operation to apprehend him involved ground troops, aircraft, and a team of federal police, underscoring the government's determination to re-establish control over organized crime.

Following Guzmán's recapture, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto emphasized the importance of continuing efforts against drug trafficking and organized crime, stating that the government would not relent in its fight against such illicit enterprises. Guzmán's arrest was celebrated as a significant law enforcement victory, yet questions remained about the future of drug cartels and their influence in Mexico, particularly as Guzmán's criminal empire had thrived amidst ongoing violence and corruption.