The Honduran authorities managed to capture Erasmo Ávila, alias “El Monstruo”, who is wanted by the United States on drug trafficking charges.
The apprehension was carried out in the municipality of Limón, located in the department of Colón in Honduras, as part of a mission called Operation Liberation, according to the Honduran newspaper La Prensa.
The arrest aligns with a extradition request issued by a United States court and underlines the continued cooperation between the two nations in the fight against transnational crime.
Erasmo Avila, 47 years old, will face the Honduran judicial systemsince he plans to appear before an extradition court of first instance of the Supreme Court of Justice.
“With strong security measures, the citizen requested in extradition for drug trafficking crimes, Erasmo Ávila Palacios, 47 years old known by the alias Nelsi Erasmo and “El Monstruo” who was captured in the department of Colón, arrives at the special forces facilities.” , wrote the Honduran National Police in your X account along with pictures of the subject.
The arrest warrant against Ávila was issued in March 2022 by the United States Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, with the intent to illegally import the drugs into the United States.
According to La Prensa, Security Minister Gustavo Sánchez emphasized the importance of this request for his capture and extradition, highlighting Ávila’s criminal activities and his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
Avila’s capture is a significant step in the fight against drug-related crime that have far-reaching consequences.
Ávila’s criminal record in Honduras dates back to 2004 when he was arrested for complicity in criminal activities in the Bonito Oriental sector of Colón. He faced charges of providing premises or means of transportation to facilitate criminal acts. Later, in 2020, Ávila received an arrest warrant for possession of weapons, for which he was provisionally released.
The extradition of Honduran people at the request of foreign countries was possible thanks to a constitutional reform in 2012. This legal framework has enabled international collaboration to bring people to justice across borders.
Since 2014, a number of Hondurans accused of drug trafficking have faced trials in the United States, some extradited and others voluntarily surrendered to US authorities. Collaborative efforts between Honduras and the United States continue to be crucial in addressing drug-related crime and ensuring accountability.
With information from La Prensa de Honduras and the EFE agency
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