El Chapo trial - live updates: Former cartel member Jesus 'El Rey' Zambada gives explosive testimony at Joaquín Guzman hearing

The trial of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo“ Guzman continues in Brooklyn, New York, and is expected to last into early next year.

After a tumultuous start, with a jury member excused and Guzman’s defence team being admonished by Judge Cogan for their opening statement, the first witnesses have been presented.

Taking the witness stand for the government, Jesus Zambada - a 57-year-old trained accountant who was arrested in 2008 and is still in US custody - told jurors Guzman “was one of the most powerful drug-traffickers in Mexico.” Zambada was the first of several cooperators expected to give jurors an inside look at the Sinaloa Cartel.

Guzman, 61, faces a 17 count indictment that covers nearly three decades of alleged criminal activities. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Follow updates on the ongoing trial below

Agencies contributed to this report