Juan Orlando Hernández, the former President of Honduras, has been found guilty in a Manhattan Federal Court of charges related to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and committing related firearms offenses. This verdict comes three months after Hernández, once regarded as a staunch ally of the US, was extradited to New York in April 2022 following his arrest on federal charges.
During his tenure as leader of Honduras, the country was a recipient of substantial anti-narcotics support from the US, totaling over $50 million, alongside additional security and military aid. However, Hernández’s leadership has now been overshadowed by his involvement in one of the world’s most significant and violent drug trafficking conspiracies.
According to the Department of Justice, Hernández conspired with some of the world’s most notorious drug traffickers to transport massive quantities of cocaine through Honduras to the United States. In exchange for facilitating these operations, he received millions of dollars in bribes, which he used to ascend and maintain his political power within Honduras.
Despite his public stance on anti-narcotics efforts, Hernández was found to have protected and supported drug traffickers who were part of his network. He manipulated the extradition process to protect traffickers loyal to him, while those who threatened his position were sent to the US. His corrupt practices extended to abusing Honduran institutions, including the National Police and Army, to safeguard and expand his drug trafficking activities.
This conviction highlights Hernández’s fall from grace, underscoring the extent of his betrayal and the impact of his actions on both Honduras and the United States. Several of Hernández’s co-conspirators have already faced justice, including his brother Tony Hernández, sentenced to life in prison, and other key figures in the drug trafficking network.
Hernández’s conviction on all counts carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with potential life imprisonment. His sentencing is scheduled for June 26, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in the fight against international drug trafficking and corruption.
The Justice Department, alongside the DEA and other federal agencies, have been instrumental in investigating this case, with assistance from the Honduran government for the extradition of Hernández. This case serves as a stark reminder that no individual, regardless of their political power or status, is beyond the reach of international law enforcement agencies committed to combating drug trafficking and corruption.
