Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez was convicted on drug trafficking charges Friday in a Manhattan federal court.
Hernandez, who served as president of Honduras from 2014 to 2022, had been charged by U.S. authorities with drug trafficking and weapons offenses that linked him to tons of cocaine imported into the United States over the last two decades. Prosecutors say he accepted bribes from El Chapo’s Sinaloa cartel and other drug networks.
The former U.S. ally had presented himself as a partner of the United States on crime, drugs and immigration policies while U.S. law enforcement was secretly investigating him over involvement in the drug trade, federal prosecutors said.
Two co-defendants pleaded guilty, including a former Honduran police chief, Juan Carlos Bonilla, and Hernandez’s cousin Mauricio Hernandez.
In this Nov. 1, 2021, file photo, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez presents his national statement during day two of COP26 at SECC, in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Pool via Getty Images, FILE
The former president claimed the prosecution was the result of drug traffickers smearing him to get revenge for his crackdown on the drug trade.
The U.S. Justice Department said he and his conspirators trafficked over 400 tons of U.S. bound cocaine through Honduras under Hernandez’s tenure in government.
“Juan Orlando Hernandez abused his position as President of Honduras to operate the country as a narco-state where violent drug traffickers were allowed to operate with virtual impunity, and the people of Honduras and the United States were forced to suffer the consequences,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “As today’s conviction demonstrates, the Justice Department is disrupting the entire ecosystem of drug trafficking networks that harm the American people, no matter how far or how high we must go.”
Hernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. He faces up to life in prison.
-ABC News’ Victoria Moll Ramirez contributed to this report.
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez has been convicted in a US drug trafficking case, marking a significant development in the ongoing fight against corruption and organized crime in Honduras.
Hernandez, who served as president from 2014 to 2022, was found guilty of conspiring with drug traffickers to smuggle cocaine into the United States. The case against him was built on evidence gathered by US authorities, including wiretaps and witness testimony.
The conviction of Hernandez is a major blow to his political career and reputation. He was once seen as a rising star in Honduran politics, known for his tough stance on crime and corruption. However, his administration was marred by allegations of human rights abuses and ties to drug cartels.
The case against Hernandez is part of a broader crackdown on corruption and organized crime in Honduras. The country has long been a key transit point for drug trafficking, with powerful cartels operating with impunity. The conviction of a former president sends a strong message that no one is above the law.
Hernandez’s conviction has also raised questions about the future of Honduras and its political landscape. With presidential elections scheduled for later this year, the country faces a period of uncertainty and instability. The next president will have to navigate the challenges of corruption, violence, and poverty that continue to plague Honduras.
In the meantime, the conviction of Hernandez serves as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions. It sends a clear message that those who engage in criminal activities will be brought to justice, regardless of their position or power. As Honduras continues to grapple with these issues, the conviction of Hernandez represents a step towards a more just and transparent society.
