On Saturday, December 16, the Public Ministry collaborated with the National Civil Police to apprehend Erick Manuel Ochoa Villagrán, also known as «Perica,» who is wanted for trial by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

His arrest took place at kilometer 180 on the road to Quetzaltenango, in the jurisdiction of San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu. Ochoa Villagrán is accused of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture containing detectable amounts of cocaine, with the intent to import it illegally into the United States.
Authorities’ investigation revealed a drug trafficking organization operating across South, Central, and North America since at least 2008, responsible for importing significant quantities of cocaine into the United States. Ochoa Villagrán was identified as a member of this organization, responsible for directing, managing, and facilitating drug trafficking activities in Guatemala and other locations.

The Public Ministry commitment to combat organized crime is evident under the leadership of Dr. María Consuelo Porras Argueta, Attorney General and Chief of the Public Ministry. This includes active international cooperation for the repression of crimes and respect for international agreements.

The Public Ministry continues its commitment to fight decisively against organized crime.

Interinstitutional coordination between the Public Ministry, elite PNC forces, and the U.S. government has effectively led to operational actions to apprehend individuals requested by various U.S. districts. Among those captured are two foreigners serving sentences in Guatemala for drug trafficking, as well as a Guatemalan facing criminal charges for offenses committed in Guatemala. Extradition processes will take place after completing their sentences.

In 2023, 25 apprehensions have been coordinated, with 21 related to drug trafficking.