New York - Mexican drug boss Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman will not be allowed to hug his wife when he appears in court next week for the start of his trial, a New York judge ruled on Thursday.

The 61-year-old former head of the Sinaloa drug cartel, once the main supplier of drugs to the US, is facing 17 criminal charges, including drug trafficking, conspiracy and running a criminal organization.

Guzman asked for permission to greet and embrace his wife, former beauty queen Emma Coronel, before opening statements begin on Tuesday.

Judge Brian Cogan said he was sympathetic to the request, but could not grant Guzman the hug as it would contravene security measures, according to court documents filed on Thursday.

The judge cited previous orders limiting Guzman's communication to prevent him from coordinating an escape from prison or an attack on witnesses in the trial.