US Accuses Former Honduran National Police Chief of Involvement in Drug Trade
U.S.U.S. federal prosecutors have accused the former national police chief of Honduras of trafficking a massive amount of cocaine to the United States of America on behalf of Honduras' President Juan Orlando Hernández and his brother, says an article. In October, his brother was convicted of the same charges.
Hernández was dubbed as an unindicted co-conspirator in the trial of Juan Antonio "Tony" Hernández, his brother. However, the United States had continued to see him as an ally in its war against drugs.
The Former Police Chief
According to a complaint that was filed on Thursday, Juan Carlos Bonilla, the former police chief, had taken part in life-threatening violence, including the killing of a rival trafficker.
Additionally, prosecutors claim that President Hernández and Tony gave Bonilla a particular assignment and that it included killing someone.
El Tigre
Bonilla, also known as El Tigre or The Tiger, was given the position as the national police chief in May 2012. It was the time when Honduras was one of the nations in the world with the highest rates of homicide.
In his role as the leader of the national police, Bonilla cooperated with U.S. counter-narcotics forces that are holding operations in Honduras. Also, he helped with the creation of a special police unit that collaborates with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA. This had led to the prosecution of many high-profile drug traffickers, including the brother of the president.
Evidence of Innocence
Bonilla had repeatedly stated his connection with the DEA as evidence to prove his innocence.
In 2013, the United States pushed for his removal from the position with references in accusations involving violence. Also, he was accused of being part of death squads that target suspected members of gangs.
Former Regional Police Chief
Bonilla was the former regional police chief of the Copan Department located at the border with Guatemala. It is one of the most crucial points of the route of drug traffickers.
During that period, prosecutors accused Bonilla of planning the murder of a drug trafficker who was threatening a route under the control of Tony Hernández and his people.
Bonilla denied the accusation. He informed everyone that he is not a villain; instead, he is a former national police officer who had served Honduras and its people.
It is still unknown if the United States had asked for the arrest of Bonilla.
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Not Following the Example of Others
Some experts believe that Bonilla will not be doing the act of others who have been accused of drug trafficking and surrender to the DEA.
Prosecutors from the U.S. claim that President Hernández acquired bribes amounting to millions from drug traffickers, including Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. El Chapo was the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico.
The president had denied all claims of his involvement with drug traffickers.
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