Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his conviction on drugs and weapons charges.

US District Judge P. Kevin Castel in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday (June 26), sentenced 55-year-old Hernandez.&nbsp;

Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, emphasising the seriousness of Hernandez's actions and aiming to deter similar crimes in the future,&nbsp;arguing that it would send a firm message to other politicians who use their power to protect powerful criminal groups.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-grants-us-extradition-request-for-former-honduras-president-463216" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-grants-us-extradition-request-for-former-honduras-president-463216&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi1l8m-jvuGAxUNcWwGHeCiBG8QFnoECAMQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw15xvHFfotN1VDL6gcXj_t-&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/judge-grants-us-extradition-request-for-former-honduras-president-463216" target="_blank">Judge grants US extradition request for former Honduras president</a>

Prosecutors said Hernandez used drug money to support his political rise and use his influence to help traffickers bring hundreds of thousands of kilogrammes of cocaine into the US.

Hernandez allegedly received millions of dollars in bribe money from drug traffickers in return for military support for the illegal enterprise throughout his time in office, according to the US.

During a two-week trial, prosecutors said Hernandez used the money he received from drug trafficking to bribe officials and manipulate voting results during Honduras’s 2013 and 2017 presidential elections.&nbsp;

Several convicted traffickers testified they bribed Hernandez.

Testifying in his own defence, Hernandez denied accepting bribes from drug cartels.

Meanwhile, his lawyers claimed that the convicted traffickers were seeking revenge for Hernandez’s anti-drug policies.

Notably, a jury convicted him in March of three counts, including conspiring to import cocaine into the US and to use weapons to flood the country with an almost unimaginable quantity of the drug.

Hernandez faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-ex-president-to-remain-in-custody-as-us-seeks-extradition-454131" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-ex-president-to-remain-in-custody-as-us-seeks-extradition-454131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi1l8m-jvuGAxUNcWwGHeCiBG8QFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2Qa9LdyLP1Q9QRpn2Drz63&amp;arm=e&amp;fexp=72519171,72519168" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduran-ex-president-to-remain-in-custody-as-us-seeks-extradition-454131" target="_blank">Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition</a>

A few weeks after completing his second term, he was arrested in 2022. His brother, Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernandez, also a former Honduran politician, was sentenced in the US to life in prison in 2021&nbsp;on drug trafficking charges.

(With inputs from agencies)

Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his conviction on drugs and weapons charges. US District Judge P.

Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, has been sentenced to 45 years in prison for his conviction on drugs and weapons charges. US District Judge P. Kevin Castel in a Manhattan federal court on Wednesday (June 26), sentenced 55-year-old Hernandez. Prosecutors had sought a life sentence, emphasising the seriousness of Hernandez's actions and aiming to deter similar crimes in the future, arguing that it would send a firm message to other politicians who use their power to protect powerful criminal groups. Also read: Judge grants US extradition request for former Honduras president Prosecutors said Hernandez used drug money to support his political rise and use his influence to help traffickers bring hundreds of thousands of kilogrammes of cocaine into the US. Hernandez allegedly received millions of dollars in bribe money from drug traffickers in return for military support for the illegal enterprise throughout his time in office, according to the US. During a two-week trial, prosecutors said Hernandez used the money he received from drug trafficking to bribe officials and manipulate voting results during Honduras’s 2013 and 2017 presidential elections. Several convicted traffickers testified they bribed Hernandez. Testifying in his own defence, Hernandez denied accepting bribes from drug cartels. Meanwhile, his lawyers claimed that the convicted traffickers were seeking revenge for Hernandez’s anti-drug policies. Notably, a jury convicted him in March of three counts, including conspiring to import cocaine into the US and to use weapons to flood the country with an almost unimaginable quantity of the drug. Hernandez faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 40 years in prison. Also read: Honduran ex-president to remain in custody as US seeks extradition A few weeks after completing his second term, he was arrested in 2022. His brother, Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernandez, also a former Honduran politician, was sentenced in the US to life in prison in 2021 on drug trafficking charges. (With inputs from agencies)

US jails ex-Honduran president for 45 years in drug trafficking case

The Turkish police is making the best use of resources it has confiscated from crime organisations. According to the country's interior ministry, as many as 23 luxury cars seized by Istanbul police have been converted to traffic police vehicles to maintain the law and order situation.

The Turkish police is making the best use of resources it has confiscated from crime organisations. According to the country's interior ministry, as many as 23 luxury cars seized by Istanbul police have been converted to traffic police vehicles to maintain the law and order situation. The vehicles were given to Istanbul police in line with a court order. The vehicles converted for police use include a Bentley, a Porsche and a Volvo that have been painted white and blue with 'traffic police' written on them. It is estimated the new police cars have a market value of more than $5 million. Drug trafficker Hakan Ayik arrested According to the Daily Telegraph, the exotic cars seized belong to one of the world’s alleged biggest drug traffickers and ex-Sydney bikie Hakan Ayik who was arrested alongside his 36 other aides in Istanbul last month, “We will not forgive organised criminal organisations..we will dismantle organised criminal organisations of any size and bring them to justice,” said Ali Yerlikaya, Turkey’s interior minister on X (formerly known as Twitter) after the arrest. Watch | WION Dispatch: Deadly riot engulfs in Mexico's Sinaloa, son of drug lord 'El Chapo' arrested × Yerlikaya added that Mick Hawki was the former alleged leader of the Comanchero bikie crime organisation, linked to Ayik, but was killed in 2018. The Comanchero Motorcycle Club is an outlaw motorcycle gang based in Australia and southeast Asia. “The criminal organisation continued its activities under the management of Mark Douglas Buddle. The so-called leader of the organisation...was captured in 2022 and handed over to Australian authorities.” Notably, Ayik had been running his drug criminal enterprise in Turkey after fleeing Australia in 2010 before the New South Wales (NSW) police could arrest him for his alleged involvement in a massive heroin shipment uncovered at Port Botany. Also read | Mexico’s dreaded Sinaloa cartel ‘puts up’ banners announcing to stop sale of fentanyl Ayik's fortune is estimated to be worth around $1 billion. He had been running his business rather openly with reports claiming that he was paying over $1 million a month as protection money to corrupt government and military officials. Ayik's criminal credentials could be established from the fact that in 2021, he was among 17 people across the globe to be charged in an FBI indictment in the US for violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (Rico) Act. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Luxury cars seized from criminal gangs turned into traffic police vehicles

British police have announced the successful outcome of Operation Mille, a large-scale drugs operation conducted throughout June.

More than 450 individuals have been charged, and cannabis plants with a value exceeding £115 million or $146 million were seized in the operation, which took place across England and Wales.

<h2>Operation Mille</h2>

The searches and arrests carried out during Operation Mille were conducted on an unprecedented scale and speed, according to the police.

The seized cannabis plants, totalling nearly 200,000, were estimated to have a street value ranging from £115 million to £130 million or&nbsp;$147 million-$166 million.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/captured-on-camera-body-cam-footage-from-biggest-jewellery-heist-in-us-history-reveals-unknown-facts-613098">Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts</a>

"Nearly 200,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of between £115-£130 million ($147 million-$166 million, 135 million-152 million euros) were seized," said the police as per an AFP report.

Additionally, over 1,000 people were arrested during the operation, with more than 450 of them subsequently facing charges.

Steve Jupp, the lead for serious organised crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, highlighted the direct links between organised networks involved in cannabis production and various other serious criminal activities.

Talking to the press, Jupp said that "Organised networks involved in cannabis production are also directly linked to an array of other serious criminality such as class A drug importation, modern slavery and wider violence and exploitation."

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The successful operation "not only successfully disrupted a significant amount of criminal activity, but the intelligence gathered will also help inform future law enforcement activity across the country," he added.

In addition to the cannabis plants, law enforcement officers confiscated 20 firearms and 26 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth £1 million or $1.28 million on the street.

<h2>Gangland feuds in the UK</h2>

As per AFP, recent crimes related to gangland feuds have deeply affected the nation.

In one case, a nine-year-old girl named Olivia Pratt-Korbel lost her life in a shooting incident in Liverpool, where a man fleeing from a "high-level" cannabis dealer attempted to forcibly enter her home.

Another tragic incident occurred near Liverpool, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old woman who was caught in the crossfire during a gangland shooting at a pub. The perpetrator, Connor Chapman, is awaiting sentencing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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British police have announced the successful outcome of Operation Mille, a large-scale drugs operation conducted throughout June. More than 450 individuals have been charged, and cannabis plants with a value exceeding £115 million or $146 million were seized in the operation, which took place across England and Wales.

British police have announced the successful outcome of Operation Mille, a large-scale drugs operation conducted throughout June. More than 450 individuals have been charged, and cannabis plants with a value exceeding £115 million or $146 million were seized in the operation, which took place across England and Wales. Operation Mille The searches and arrests carried out during Operation Mille were conducted on an unprecedented scale and speed, according to the police. The seized cannabis plants, totalling nearly 200,000, were estimated to have a street value ranging from £115 million to £130 million or $147 million-$166 million. Also read | Captured on camera: Body cam footage from biggest jewellery heist in US history reveals unknown facts "Nearly 200,000 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of between £115-£130 million ($147 million-$166 million, 135 million-152 million euros) were seized," said the police as per an AFP report. Additionally, over 1,000 people were arrested during the operation, with more than 450 of them subsequently facing charges. Steve Jupp, the lead for serious organised crime at the National Police Chiefs' Council, highlighted the direct links between organised networks involved in cannabis production and various other serious criminal activities. Talking to the press, Jupp said that "Organised networks involved in cannabis production are also directly linked to an array of other serious criminality such as class A drug importation, modern slavery and wider violence and exploitation." Also read | Thumbs-up emoji is valid as signature on contract agreement, rules Canadian judge The successful operation "not only successfully disrupted a significant amount of criminal activity, but the intelligence gathered will also help inform future law enforcement activity across the country," he added. In addition to the cannabis plants, law enforcement officers confiscated 20 firearms and 26 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth £1 million or $1.28 million on the street. Gangland feuds in the UK As per AFP, recent crimes related to gangland feuds have deeply affected the nation. In one case, a nine-year-old girl named Olivia Pratt-Korbel lost her life in a shooting incident in Liverpool, where a man fleeing from a "high-level" cannabis dealer attempted to forcibly enter her home. Another tragic incident occurred near Liverpool, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old woman who was caught in the crossfire during a gangland shooting at a pub. The perpetrator, Connor Chapman, is awaiting sentencing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

British police seize cannabis worth $146 mn, charge over 450 people in massive month-long operation

In what comes as one of the biggest stashes of contraband confiscated, the New Zealand authorities on Wednesday said they had recovered cocaine worth $300 million, weighing 3.

In what comes as one of the biggest stashes of contraband confiscated, the New Zealand authorities on Wednesday said they had recovered cocaine worth $300 million, weighing 3.3 tonnes floating in international waters. The joint operation named 'Operation Hydros' between the New Zealand police, customs and defence force led to the discovery of the drugs. A total of 81 bales of cocaine was seized and hauled upon the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Manawanui back to the mainland where the entire batch was destroyed. Local reports stated that some of the bales of cocaine had stickers as identifiers. One had a batman logo while another had a four-leaf clover. The amount of drugs seized was enough to supply New Zealand for 30 years, which suggests that it was destined for another country - most certainly Australia, according to the authorities. "This is the single biggest seizures of illegal drugs by authorities in this country by some margin. While this disrupts the syndicate’s operations, we remain vigilant given the lengths we know these groups will go to circumvent coming to law enforcement’s attention," Police Commissioner Andrew Coster was quoted as saying in a Reuters report. "There is no doubt this discovery lands a major financial blow right from the South American producers through to the distributors of this product." Operation Hydros: Police, Customs and NZDF recover half a billion dollars’ worth of cocaine at sea https://t.co/BxaZfWgFJ6 pic.twitter.com/1NxNzlWo9T — NZP Media (@NZPoliceMedia) February 8, 2023 × Read more: ChatGPT figures out way to smuggle drugs from Columbia to the UK Drug traffickers often leave packaged drugs in international waters to be picked up by other vessels. It is a widely used strategy as cocaine floats and the traffickers using a net with flotation devices, attach the bales of drugs to it. The discovery of the record amount of drug comes in the backdrop of New Zealand starting an operation last year to keep an eye on the movement of suspicious vessels whilst taking help from intelligence-sharing partners. Read more: Australia to legalise use of MDMA and magic mushrooms for treating depression Last year in March, the agencies recovered a 700 kilogrammes cocaine shipment at a New Zealand port, coming from South America, bound for another country. The upsurge in drug assignments through New Zealand suggests that drug traffickers are assessing it as a viable route to other markets. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Cocaine worth $300 million with batman stickers found floating in New Zealand

Colombia, the world's leading&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs.

There was "an increase of 43 per cent in the area planted with coca... from 143,000 hectares in 2020 to 204,000 ha in 2021," the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a statement.

This was the highest figure since the UNODC started monitoring&nbsp;Colombia's&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp; production 21 years ago.

The increase in coca cultivation went hand-in-hand with a rise in&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;production from 1,010 tonnes in 2020 to 1,400 tonnes last year, destined mainly for the United States and Europe.

"This continued an upward trend that has been consolidating since 2014," said the UNODC.

At the presentation of the report in Bogota, Justice Minister Nestor Osuna said the numbers were clear evidence "of the failure of the war on drugs."

He said the government was working on a new drug policy, which for now would not include legalizing&nbsp;cocaine.

But he expressed the hope that "one day" the&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;trade will be regulated at a global level.

As part of a new approach, Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade.

He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living.

Holistic approach

Petro considers small-scale coca growers the victims of a state that for years poisoned their land with pesticides to eradicate the illegal plantations.

Thousands of coca growers and pickers are behind bars on trafficking charges in Colombia.

Petro's predecessor, Ivan Duque, had been a key ally of the drug war led by the United States -- the world's leading&nbsp;cocaine&nbsp;consumer.

Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Petro in Colombia, saying afterwards they shared "extensive common ground," despite the new president's change of tack.

"We strongly support the holistic approach the Petro administration is taking," Blinken said after the meeting.

"On both the enforcement side but also on the comprehensive approach to the problem... I think that we're largely in sync," he added.

The UNODC said coca cultivation "continues to threaten the cultural potential of the country and its biodiversity," contributing to deforestation.

Half of the plantations are in special management areas, it said, and a high percentage on the lands of black communities and in forest reserve areas.

Colombia, the world's leading cocaine producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs.

Colombia, the world's leading cocaine producer, broke its own record for coca leaf cultivation in 2021, a UN body said Thursday, as the government highlighted the "failure" of the US-led war on drugs. There was "an increase of 43 per cent in the area planted with coca... from 143,000 hectares in 2020 to 204,000 ha in 2021," the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) said in a statement. This was the highest figure since the UNODC started monitoring Colombia's cocaine production 21 years ago. The increase in coca cultivation went hand-in-hand with a rise in cocaine production from 1,010 tonnes in 2020 to 1,400 tonnes last year, destined mainly for the United States and Europe. "This continued an upward trend that has been consolidating since 2014," said the UNODC. At the presentation of the report in Bogota, Justice Minister Nestor Osuna said the numbers were clear evidence "of the failure of the war on drugs." He said the government was working on a new drug policy, which for now would not include legalizing cocaine. But he expressed the hope that "one day" the cocaine trade will be regulated at a global level. As part of a new approach, Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro has mooted an amnesty for drug traffickers willing to give themselves up and abandon the trade. He has also proposed purchasing arable land to redistribute to small farmers to make a living from legal crops, free from the violent yoke of the drug gangs they rely on to make a living. Holistic approach Petro considers small-scale coca growers the victims of a state that for years poisoned their land with pesticides to eradicate the illegal plantations. Thousands of coca growers and pickers are behind bars on trafficking charges in Colombia. Petro's predecessor, Ivan Duque, had been a key ally of the drug war led by the United States -- the world's leading cocaine consumer. Earlier this month, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Petro in Colombia, saying afterwards they shared "extensive common ground," despite the new president's change of tack. "We strongly support the holistic approach the Petro administration is taking," Blinken said after the meeting. "On both the enforcement side but also on the comprehensive approach to the problem... I think that we're largely in sync," he added. The UNODC said coca cultivation "continues to threaten the cultural potential of the country and its biodiversity," contributing to deforestation. Half of the plantations are in special management areas, it said, and a high percentage on the lands of black communities and in forest reserve areas.

Colombia breaks coca-growing record, slams 'failure of war on drugs', moots amnesty

According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities.

In order to pay for victim reparations, the Andean nation has long attempted to sell confiscated items and property. Last year, a real estate company was established with the responsibility of managing some of the homes, farms, and other holdings.&nbsp;

However, it can be difficult to sell them because purchasers worry that past owners or their relatives will appear, especially since that prominent former right-wing paramilitary leaders have returned from serving narcotics sentences in the US.

"We must make it so that illegally-acquired assets pass to the Colombian people. It isn't just any amount, it's 22 trillion pesos ($4.9 billion)," Petro said at an event celebrating the appointment of officials, including the new head of the country's anti-money laundering unit, reported Reuters.

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"It will require much courage," Petro said, according to a statement.

In addition to promising ambitious social projects, Petro, who was elected in June, has stated that he will work to achieve "total peace" with both criminal gangs and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a communist guerilla organisation.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities.

According to Marxist President Gustavo Petro, Colombia would donate properties seized from drug trafficking organisations valued at over $4.9 billion to farmers, women's groups, youth groups, and universities. In order to pay for victim reparations, the Andean nation has long attempted to sell confiscated items and property. Last year, a real estate company was established with the responsibility of managing some of the homes, farms, and other holdings. However, it can be difficult to sell them because purchasers worry that past owners or their relatives will appear, especially since that prominent former right-wing paramilitary leaders have returned from serving narcotics sentences in the US. "We must make it so that illegally-acquired assets pass to the Colombian people. It isn't just any amount, it's 22 trillion pesos ($4.9 billion)," Petro said at an event celebrating the appointment of officials, including the new head of the country's anti-money laundering unit, reported Reuters. Also Read: Watch: Ukrainian grain ship grounded in Istanbul, halting traffic on Turkiye's Bosphorus strait "It will require much courage," Petro said, according to a statement. In addition to promising ambitious social projects, Petro, who was elected in June, has stated that he will work to achieve "total peace" with both criminal gangs and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a communist guerilla organisation. (with inputs from agencies)

Colombia's leftist President to give properties confiscated from drug traffickers to farmers, women

Loyal followers of "Saint Jesus Malverde" paid tribute to the popular narco figure on Sunday (May 03) to mark the anniversary of the execution of Jesus Malverde in Culiacan, in Mexico's state of Sinaloa.

Mexicans celebrate anniversary of "narco saint" despite pandemic

Three people believed to be drug traffickers died in two separate gunfights with the Brazilian police just a few kilometres from tourist spots such as Copacabana and Ipanema.

&quot;Two criminals&nbsp;were wounded in a morning clash and died at the hospital. A third fell off a cliff and died,&quot; military police said in a statement to AFP.

The shootouts&nbsp;took place in the Cantagalo and Pavao-Pavaozinho favelas.

The suspect&nbsp;who fell off the cliff during the armed standoff with police was carrying eight kilograms of cocaine in his backpack.

The incident began when suspects attacked several police bases in Pavao-Pavaozinho.

One of the commanders of a police squad in the neighbourhood was injured, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The shootouts demonstrate falling security in Brazil&#39;s capital, barely weeks after the conclusion of Olympics 2016.&nbsp;

There has been an alarming surge in robberies, assaults and homicides in Rio as local gangs bid to recapture areas the police had seized during the economic boom in the country. But recent political scandals and economic depression have plunged the country into chaos and violence. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One of the slain suspects was carrying eight kilograms of cocaine in his backpack, authorities said

Three people believed to be drug traffickers died in two separate gunfights with the Brazilian police just a few kilometres from tourist spots such as Copacabana and Ipanema. "Two criminals were wounded in a morning clash and died at the hospital. A third fell off a cliff and died," military police said in a statement to AFP. The shootouts took place in the Cantagalo and Pavao-Pavaozinho favelas. The suspect who fell off the cliff during the armed standoff with police was carrying eight kilograms of cocaine in his backpack. The incident began when suspects attacked several police bases in Pavao-Pavaozinho. One of the commanders of a police squad in the neighbourhood was injured, Reuters reported. The shootouts demonstrate falling security in Brazil's capital, barely weeks after the conclusion of Olympics 2016. There has been an alarming surge in robberies, assaults and homicides in Rio as local gangs bid to recapture areas the police had seized during the economic boom in the country. But recent political scandals and economic depression have plunged the country into chaos and violence. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Brazil: Three drug traffickers killed during day-long gunfights

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