Guatemala extraditates alleged drug trafficker to Texas

Guatemala Extradites Abelardo Villatoro Hidalgo

Handed Over to U.S. Authorities

Accused of Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Guatemalan authorities extradited Abelardo Mefiboset Villatoro Hidalgo on Wednesday.

They delivered the suspected drug trafficker to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

His transfer took place under heavy security from Mariscal Zavala Military Brigade to the Guatemalan Air Force, from where he was flown to Texas, USA.

Villatoro Hidalgo, 44, was arrested in October 2024.

Suspected Drug Trafficker Abelardo Villatoro Extradited from Guatemala

Guatemala Extradites Abelardo Villatoro Hidalgo – ? Photo: AP

He has been accused of trafficking drugs from 2013 to 2020.

According to the Guatemalan Public Ministry, Villatoro Hidalgo played a key role in a criminal organization.

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He supervised and directed the transportation of narcotics throughout the country.

He was captured in a rural area of Huehuetenango, near the Mexican border.

Guatemalan authorities highlighted his importance within the cartel.

Authorities consider his arrest part of a larger anti-narcotics strategy.

Officials expect him to face trial in a federal court in Texas.

Guatemala has intensified extradition efforts in 2025.

So far this year, five individuals have been extradited.

Two of them face drug trafficking charges.

Authorities are closely cooperating with the U.S. government.

Guatemala remains a strategic route for drug trafficking.

Its strategic location facilitates the movement of cocaine from South America to the U.S..

Anti-cartel operations aim to disrupt the illegal drug trade.

Yet narcotrafficking remains a major challenge in the region.

The U.S. government has closely followed Abelardo Villatoro’s criminal activities.

In Texas, Abelardo Villatoro will stand trial for conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

If convicted, he could face decades in federal prison.

His extradition represents another significant blow against drug trafficking in Guatemala.

Source: EFE

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