US jails ex-Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernandez for 45 years on drugs charges
- Hernandez, 55, will likely die behind bars for engaging in a drug-trafficking conspiracy that sent massive amounts of cocaine to the US
A court in New York on Wednesday sentenced former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez to 45 years in prison after he was convicted of trafficking hundreds of tonnes of cocaine into the United States.
Anti-Hernandez protesters gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse ahead of sentencing brandishing placards decrying the former head of state’s crimes with one declaring “Narco government – makes the people emigrate”.
“The role of Mr Hernandez was to use his political power as president of Congress and president of Honduras to limit the risks of drug traffickers in exchange of money,” said Judge Kevin Castel.
He said Hernandez provided police and military support and helped to send 400 tonnes of drugs – worth US$10 billion at market prices – to the United States.
The sentence, which also included an US$8 million fine, was less than the life imprisonment that prosecutors had sought – although Hernandez’s age, 55, means he may die behind bars.
