Jurors in the trial of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman wrapped up their first day of deliberations Monday without reaching a verdict.
The panel of eight women and four men officially began weighing the charges against the Mexican kingpin around 1 p.m. — and already looked exhausted when they wrapped up for the day less than three and a half hours later.
The 10-count indictment against Guzman includes running a continuing criminal enterprise, firearms possession, murder conspiracy and the importation and distribution of cocaine.
After beginning deliberations Monday afternoon, the jurors sent several questions to Judge Brian Cogan — including whether they can consider his cartel’s larger “drug war” when assessing if Guzman acquired weapons to further “drug trafficking crimes,” and if the drug ephedrine — which can be used to make methamphetamine — is “considered meth.”
They also asked when they would get to see the various exhibits in the case, to which Cogan said “very soon.”
Earlier, the judge had noted that “some exhibits” would not be sent in with the jurors. He didn’t say which ones, but evidence in the trial included large quantities of cocaine and heroin, AK-47 rifles and a grenade launcher.
Cogan could later be heard telling the defense lawyers and prosecutors a story about “jurors sitting on the marijuana,” prompting the attorneys to burst into laughter.
The jurors have been kept partially sequestered, and anonymous, for their safety.
Guzman faces up to life in prison if convicted of the top count.


