With the firm commitment to bequeath a strengthened Public Ministry to the Guatemalan citizenry , the Attorney General of the Republic and Chief of the Public Ministry, Mrs. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, implemented various mechanisms since 2018 when she assumed her first term at the helm of the institution, which allowed for the strengthening of the Narcotics Crimes Prosecutor’s Office.

Among these, the methodology for criminal investigation of causes related to narcotics activities was changed, both in legal matters and in the approach to the criminal phenomenon, through training sessions for personnel based on the experience of international anti-narcotics agents and the prosecutors themselves.

An Analysis Unit was established, strategically studying the modalities used for the transportation of illicit substances, operational zones, and other related topics, which better guide investigations against criminal structures.

These actions have led to historically significant results compared to previous administrations. For example, between 2014 and 2017, 676 apprehension orders were issued, whereas during Mrs. Porras’ first term (2018 to 2021), 976 were issued, and between 2022 and 2023, 360 were issued, indicating a 66% increase in activity from 2018 to 2023.

Moreover, during Mrs. Porras Argueta’s tenure, 191 arrests for extradition purposes have been achieved, mostly related to drug trafficking, a figure unprecedented in the history of the Public Ministry.

During the first term of her administration, 138 extraditions were carried out, compared to only 46 apprehensions in the previous administration. In the first two years (2022 to 2023) of the second term 2022-2026, 53 individuals with extradition orders have been captured in various operations directed by the Public Ministry.

It is noteworthy that the collaboration between the Public Ministry and the United States agencies continues in a coordinated manner. In this regard, 2021 was a historic year, as the collaboration between US agencies and the Public Ministry led to the apprehension of 57 individuals for extradition purposes for drug trafficking offenses. Guatemala, February 16, 2024.

February 16, 2024