US trial for ‘El Chapo’ set to begin next month

A U.S. judge is keeping the trial of notorious Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman on schedule to begin next month.

Judge Brian Cogan denied a defense request on Tuesday to delay the trial so it could have more time to review a mountain of evidence.

The judge said jury selection will take place next week as previously planned. He said jurors will hear opening statements on Nov. 13.

Guzman has pleaded not guilty to charges that his cartel laundered billions of dollars and oversaw a ruthless campaign of murders and kidnappings.

The trial in federal court in Brooklyn is expected to last up to four months under tight security. It will feature the testimony of several cooperators about multiple killings.