As Mexican authorities scour for Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman after his audacious weekend escape from a maximum security prison, reports reveal that U.S. officials knew about the jail break plot and even warned their Mexican counterparts of it 16 months ago.

AP reported that in March 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that some members of Guzman's family and his drug dealing affiliates were examining 'potential operations to free' the leader of the notorious Sinaloa drug cartel.

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Guzman and his associates reportedly started organizing his escape shortly after his recapture on 22 Feb 2014.

However, Mexican authorities have denied being informed about the escape plot. On Monday evening, Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said Mexican officials never received any information from the U.S.

According to Fox News, Chong added that U.S. authorities have also denied knowledge of Guzman's escape. He added that they have no idea of AP's source.

Meanwhile, an ABC source insists that "there was always chatter that there was going to be a breakout plan." The unidentified ex-DEA official also said the U.S. officials regularly passed credible information to their Mexican counterparts - but did nothing to prevent the drug lord's recent escape.

Guzman, who has been incarcerated in the Altplano jail since his recapture at a Mexican beach resort, reportedly walked into a shower on Saturday before escaping.

He reportedly slipped through a hole underneath the shower into mile-long tunnel specially built for his escape. The tunnel - complete with air vents, emergency oxygen tanks, electric lights and motorbike on tracks - led to an uncompleted building close to the prison, where Guzman is believed to have changed his clothing continued his prison break.

This is the second time Guzman has escaped from a high security prison. Following his dramatic jail break in 2001, it took authorities more than a decade to catch him.

Guzman's most recent escape is a blow to the Mexican government and especially to President Enrique Pena Nieto, whose popularity as a reformer rocketed when Guzman was arrested last year.

Since Pena Nieto took office in 2012, the government has arrested or killed six drug lords including Guzman.

"There's no doubt this is an affront to the Mexican state, but I have confidence that the institutions...can recapture this criminal," President Pena Nieto said from Paris where he currently is on an official visit.

According to the NY times, Mr. Pena Nieto might be forced to swallow his own words following the escape of Mexico's most notorious drug kingpin. Last year, the president assured Mexicans that Guzman's second escape would be "unforgivable" and it would not happen under in his tenure.

"The lack of rule of law, the stain of corruption and the disaster of the criminal system in Mexico is probably Mexico's No. 1 problem," historian Enrique Krauze said. " The escape only underlines the cruel and bitter reality. We need to reform the system starting from its roots."

The Mexican government has mounted a search for Guzman. The state is offering a reward of 60 million pesos (about 23 million yuan or $3 million) for information leading to his arrest.

On Monday, the country's attorney general announced a release of Guzman's most recent photo. An anonymous hotline for persons with information regarding Guzman's whereabouts was also released. However, it is unlikely that people with information will call due to fears of violent reprisals.

Meanwhile, the government has begun investigations into how Guzman escaped. They suspect inside help. The Interior minister announced Monday that the director of the prison has been fired. Prison workers have since been detained and interrogated over the jail break. At least 34 people are currently being interrogated in connection to the escape.

"It's estimated that he may have murdered or ordered the murders of more than 10,000 people," Tom Fuentes, CNN law enforcement analyst and former FBI assistant director said. "So this is not somebody who is playing around with prison officials."

"He pretty much controls what he wants to do, and they go along with it. They look the other way to keep their families alive," he added.

Authorities want to recapture Guzman before he arrives in Sinaloa region; his home town. They fear once he gets there it might be impossible to re arrest him given his extensive connections and knowledge of the terrain.

"We may never find him again," retired U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration chief of international operations, Michael S. Vigil said. "All the accolades that Mexico has received in their counter drug efforts will be erased by this one event."

Experts believe that the drug lord, who Forbes estimated is worth more than $1 billion, will likely be in control of the Sinaloa cartel within 48 hours.

The notorious cartel's trade is international; spanning different continents. The cartel has long dominated the smuggling and trade of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine in the U.S.

As a result, Guzman faces multiple federal drug trafficking indictments in the U.S. After his arrest last year, U.S. officials announced that they will file an extradition request with Mexico.

U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch said on Sunday that "The U.S. government stands ready to work with our Mexican partners to provide any assistance that may help support his swift recapture."

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