March 4, 2025, the Public Ministry’s Prosecutor’s Office for Narcotics Crimes, in coordination with the Anti-Narcotics Analysis Sub-Directorate of the National Civil Police, conducted 22 search, inspection, and evidence seizure operations as part of the follow-up to three ongoing investigations. These actions, part of the Interinstitutional Center Against Drug Trafficking in Guatemala (CICNAG), targeted properties in the departments of Guatemala, Totonicapán, Santa Rosa, Escuintla, Jutiapa, Zacapa, and Chiquimula.

As a result, 11 individuals were arrested, and substantial amounts of money, narcotics, and other critical evidence were seized during the operations.

First Case: “Networks”

Thirteen search warrants were executed as part of an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering, resulting in the arrest of seven individuals:

• Elder Leiva Zalazar

• Samuel Iván Roldán España

• Rolando Giovanni Sazo Rodenas

• Mayra Lucrecia Najarro Godoy de Galindo

• Aura Nohemí Tobar Medina

• Amabilia Roldán España

• Juan Manuel Escobar Ruiz

Additionally, 30,000 quetzals, various documents, and two cell phones were seized, which will strengthen the investigation.

Second Case

These operations were conducted as part of the investigation into a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking. During the actions, three individuals were arrested for criminal association:

• Jonathan Roberto Yanes

• Michael Roberto Estrada

• José Benjamín Álvarez Sinay

Seized were 32,015 quetzals, 20,457 dollars, 5,900 Mexican pesos, 4,000 Colombian pesos, 21 lempiras, four cell phones, and 6.1 grams of marijuana, as confirmed by the field test. Documents and five USB drives were also confiscated. Eight search warrants were executed in this case.

Third Operation

This involved a search warrant following investigations into street-level drug dealing. Illicit substances and 6,595 quetzals, believed to be proceeds from drug sales, were located. As a result, Óscar Danilo Castañeda Pocasangre was arrested.

These operations reflect the Public Ministry’s commitment to leading actions in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. The Narcotics Crimes Prosecutor’s Office continues to collaborate with the institutions that make up CICNAG to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of the Guatemalan population.

Guatemala, March 5, 2025