Story By: Maja Mishevksa, Sub Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

The Mexican man who bought two properties previously owned by notorious drug lord Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman at auction has claimed he did not realise who they belonged to.

The houses were put up for auction by the Service of Administration and Disposal of Goods (Servicio de Administracion y Enajenacion de Bienes-SAE), commonly known as the Institute for Returning What Was Robbed To The People (Instituto Para Devolverle Al Pueblo Lo Robado).

The money raised from the auctions will be used to finance music bands for children in the state of Oaxaca.

Ernesto Olvera from the central Mexican capital Mexico City reportedly bought two former El Chapo properties in the north-western city of Culiacan, at 1126 Javier Mina Street in the area of Los Pinos and at 1647 Puerto de Veracruz Street in the colony of El Vallado.

Local media said he paid 2.3 million MXN (92,000 GBP) for both properties.

The other house linked with the former drug lord, who is in prison in the United States, was bought by a woman who wished to remain anonymous.

Reports said it was the house used by El Chapo to escape from the cops through a tunnel connected to Culiacan’s sewer system.

She paid over two million MXN (79,970 GBP).

In total, the auction had 45 loots including houses, cars and two boats.

Many buyers do not believe there will be any problems regarding the criminal origins of the items and some said they bought they did so for Mexico’s benefit.

Olvera said he is not scared about buying El Chapo’s former properties, but mentioned he will take precautions to ensure they are fully secured.

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