Mexican drug lord Joaquin Guzman, known colloquially as "El Chapo" (Shorty), was caught by Mexican and U.S. officials on Saturday. His capture marks the end of a 13-year-long manhunt for the billionaire kingpin, who headed the most powerful drug operation in the world.

Sources say Guzman was found in Mazatlan, a beach resort in the drug lord's home state of Sinaloa. Guzman has previously gotten away from authorities when he managed to escape from a Mexican prison in a laundry basket.

Guzman was one of the most wanted criminals on the planet, with his massive multi-billion dollar drug empire stretching its influences to all corners of the globe. His Sinaloa Cartel was responsible for tens of thousands of deaths as they raged war with other gangs and crime circuits over turf and drug traffic disputes, as well as the Mexican army. Guzman's wealth and power was such that even Forbes placed him on their list of the world's richest people. The United States placed a five million dollar bounty on his head, while Chicago declared him the first Public Enemy #1 since Al Capone.

In Mexico he is considered an infamous and legendary figure. As a boy, he grew up in poverty and dropped out of school in the third grade. In the 1980s, he began working under cocaine dealer Miguel Angel Felix Gallardo. Once Gallardo was brought down, he inherited his own route and began to increase his influence until he was arrested in 1993. After continuing to lead his operations from prison, he escaped in 2001 and has eluded authorities ever since. 

Guzman's capture is indicative of the Mexico's strong movement to put an end to the drug cartels that have plagued the country. Security forces have managed to take down 25 of the most wanted drug leaders in the country since 2010. However, many believe that the Sinaloa Cartel will continue to function as Guzman's subordinates will likely step up to lead the organization.