The Public Ministry, with the support of the National Civil Police (PNC), achieved the arrest for extradition purposes to the United States of America of Guillermo Vinicio Herrera García, also known as «Willie,» «Champion,» or «El Padrino.»

He is wanted to stand trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida for the offense of conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, knowing, intending, and having reasonable cause to believe that such controlled substance would be illegally imported into the United States.

An investigation conducted by law enforcement authorities identified a group of Guatemalan drug traffickers who developed supply sources in Colombia and acted as transportation coordinators, investors, and intermediaries between the supply sources and large cocaine buyers.

It also revealed that, from 2018 until September 2021, the defendant operated as a receiver of cocaine shipments that were sent from Colombia to Central America and Mexico, and eventually imported into the United States.

Additionally, on July 22, the MP coordinated the capture of Edy Lubini García Chávez, also known as «Chino,» who is wanted to stand trial on three charges: conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine for illegal importation into the United States, conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of heroin for illegal importation into the United States, and use, carrying, and possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense, as well as aiding and abetting.

His provisional arrest was ordered by the Third Court of Criminal Sentencing for Drug Activity and Crimes against the Environment on July 17 of this year and was carried out on July 22.

The administration of Mrs. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, Attorney General of the Republic and Chief of the Public Ministry, has been characterized since its inception by its special interest in creating mechanisms to confront organized crime, reaffirming active international cooperation for the repression of crimes and respect for the fulfillment of international agreements.

As such, inter-institutional coordination has enabled the effective execution of the corresponding operational actions to apprehend each of the individuals wanted by various districts of the United States.

Apprehensions for extradition purposes, so far in 2024:

1. Luis Enrique Ruiz Morales
2. Víctor Francisco Gallegos Mayorga
3. Melvin Hilario Estrada Flores
4. Jason Antonio Yang López
5. Carlos Alexander Guerra y Guerra
6. Juan José Cordón Salas
7. Julio Alberto Escobar Rendón
8. Ronaldo Ventura Alvarado
9. Edy Lubini García Chávez
10. Guillermo Vinicio Herrera García

Guatemala, July 23, 2024