Former Honduran Mayor Amilcar Alexander Ardon Soriano, 46, was charged in Manhattan federal court with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related firearms offenses.
According to the indictment, Ardon Soriano, who served as the mayor of El Paraíso, Copán, in Honduras, engaged in large-scale drug trafficking activities with traffickers located in Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Between approximately 2000 and approximately 2015, Ardon Soriano allegedly participated in processing, receiving, transporting, and distributing large loads of cocaine that arrived in Honduras via planes and go-fast vessels.
The indictment also alleges that Ardon Soriano had access to at least one cocaine laboratory and a clandestine airstrip that was used to receive cocaine-laden aircraft dispatched from South America.
Additionally, Ardon Soriano allegedly provided heavily armed security for cocaine shipments transported within Honduras, including by members of the Honduran National Police and drug traffickers armed with machineguns.
The United States is seeking Ardon Soriano’s extradition from Honduras.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated: ‘As alleged, Amilcar Alexander Ardon Soriano conspired to import massive quantities of cocaine into the U.S. and used heavy weaponry to protect drug shipments.’
Ardon Soriano is the second former Honduran mayor charged in the Southern District of New York with crimes related to drug trafficking.
He faces charges of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related firearms offenses.
Exact date: In or about 2004, up to and including in or about 2016.
Dollar amounts: Millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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