Mexico arrests 7 officials suspected of helping drug lord escape

(Baonghean) - The Mexican Attorney General's Office said it has just arrested seven officials suspected of being involved in the escape of drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Guzman escaped from a high-security prison through a long tunnel on Saturday, Reuters said, a disgrace for President Enrique Peña Nieto, who has been pursuing a fight against corruption in the public sector.

Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto.

The tunnel was found dug in a blind spot behind a wall and government officials say it could only have been done with the collusion of prison guards and officials. Those helping Guzman would have had access to the building's blueprints.

The government has dismissed the head of the prison and is investigating more than 30 other officials over the escape. The identities of the seven people arrested have not been released.

President Peña Nieto, who returned from a visit to France after learning of the news, acknowledged on Friday that the case had caused great public dismay and that the only way to restore trust was to put Guzman back in prison. The Mexican government also said the United States had requested Guzman's extradition about two weeks before the incident.

Phuong Thao

(According to Reuters July 18)