Former Honduran president, Juan Orlando Hernández, has been found guilty in a New York court of aiding drug traffickers in smuggling large quantities of cocaine into the United States. The conviction has highlighted the infiltration of narcotics gangs within Latin American governments, as Hernández was accused of using his position to protect U.S.-bound cocaine shipments and sharing sensitive information with traffickers.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gutwillig described Hernández as having "paved a cocaine superhighway to the United States." The former president's involvement in drug trafficking reportedly spanned over 18 years, starting from his time as a congressman in 2004 and continuing during his presidency from 2014 to 2022. According to the indictment, he helped in the transportation of at least 500 tons of cocaine to the U.S., all while his political career was fueled by hefty bribes.

Surprisingly, Hernández maintained close ties with the United States even as he presided over what prosecutors labeled a "narco-state." President Donald Trump, in December 2019, commended Hernández for his cooperation in curbing migration and narcotics shipments. Hernández also held meetings with former vice presidents Joe Biden and Mike Pence. Questions have been raised about whether the U.S. government was aware of Hernández's illicit activities, with Dana Frank, a historian and Honduras expert, suggesting that they chose to turn a blind eye.

The conviction of Hernández marks one of the most significant prosecutions of a Latin American leader since former Panamanian dictator Manuel Antonio Noriega's conviction in 1992. Noriega, once a U.S. ally during the Cold War, was involved in facilitating drug shipments to the United States. The case against Hernández sheds light on the alarming trend of drug traffickers becoming sources of campaign financing and their ability to operate with impunity by bribing security officials and politicians.

While many citizens in Honduras celebrated the verdict, expressing relief that the U.S. government took action where their authorities had failed, there are concerns about whether the country's politicians would learn from this experience and put an end to corruption. The country's Anti-Corruption Commission applauded the verdict, cautioning that no matter how much power one holds, the empire eventually falls apart.

Hernández, who faces a potential life sentence, plans to appeal the conviction. He has steadfastly denied the charges, asserting that the witnesses against him are convicted drug dealers seeking reduced sentences or seeking revenge. The former president claimed to have had a policy against such individuals, stressing the damage they caused to the country.

The trial has cast a spotlight on U.S. policy in Central America, with some criticizing the focus on curbing migration at the expense of other pressing issues like corruption and democratic backsliding. Former American diplomats acknowledged that Hernández appeared to be a reliable partner during his presidency, supporting extraditions and working toward police reform. However, they were unaware of the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) while he was in office.

Honduras, a poverty-stricken, violent, and politically unstable country, has historically been a key focus for the United States, particularly with regard to accepting asylum seekers. The conviction of Hernández could have far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape and its efforts to address these issues.

As Latin American countries continue to grapple with the challenges posed by drug trafficking networks, the case against Hernández serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued international cooperation and the fight against corruption, which enables these criminal enterprises to flourish.