Honduran police chief sentenced

Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, former chief of the Honduran National Police, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy charges related to cocaine trafficking into the United States. Known as 'El Tigre,' Bonilla's extensive involvement in drug trafficking included utilizing violence to protect the drug trade, leading prosecutors to recommend a harsher 30-year sentence. His defense attorney argued for leniency, citing Bonilla's poor health and previous good service to the country, although he admitted to participating in the drug trade. Bonilla's sentencing follows the conviction of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, who was sentenced to 45 years for his role in a narcotics operation that turned Honduras into a 'narco-state'. Critics, including retired police commissioner Henry Osorio Canales, highlighted systemic corruption within the Honduran government. Bonilla plans to appeal his sentence, maintaining his innocence and claiming political persecution.