Wilter Neptalí Blanco Ruíz
Wilter Neptalí Blanco Ruíz (alternatively Wilter Blanco-Ruiz)[1] is the former head of the Atlantic Cartel, a Honduras-based drug trafficking organization.[2]
Head of Atlantic Cartel
[edit]As the head of the Atlantic Cartel, Blanco is alleged to have corrupted members of the military, police and judiciary of Honduras.[3][4] In 2009, Blanco reportedly ordered police to assassinate Julián Arístides González Irías, Honduras' top anti-drug czar.[5][6]
Under his leadership, the Cartel reportedly developed connections to the Cartel of the Suns in Venezuela.[3]
The Atlantic Cartel is reportedly based primarily in the Copán and Ocotepeque departments, in the western parts of Honduras.[4]
Arrest
[edit]Blanco was arrested outside of San José, Costa Rica, several weeks after fleeing Honduras following the unsealing of an indictment against him.[7][3] He was extradited to the United States directly from Costa Rica.[2]
Prosecution
[edit]Blanco was indicted by the United States in August 2016, on allegations of importing cocaine to the United States since at least 1999.[2][1] He pled guilty in July 2017.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Wilter Blanco Indictment". Scribd. August 5, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Asmann, Parker (July 3, 2017). "Honduras Kingpin Pleads Guilty, Sets Stage for Damning Revelations". InSight Crime.
- ^ a b c LaSusa, Mike (November 23, 2016). "Alleged Honduras Kingpin Wanted by US Captured in Costa Rica". InSight Crime.
- ^ a b Gage, David (October 11, 2016). "US Investigating Criminal Ties of Dozens of Honduras Elites: Report". InSight Crime.
- ^ Malkin, Elisabeth; Arce, Alberto (April 15, 2016). "Files Suggest Honduran Police Leaders Ordered Killing of Antidrug Officials". The New York Times.
- ^ Alder, Dan (April 19, 2016). "Denials Follow Revelations in Honduras Drug Czar's Assassination". InSight Crime.
The New York Times reported the story on April 15, adding to its account the names of those allegedly involved. The US daily named Winter Neptalí Blanco Ruiz as the person who paid police to carry out the hit.
- ^ Dudley, Steven (March 6, 2017). "Top Honduras Drug Trafficker Captured in Guatemala". InSight Crime.
Blanco was arrested in Costa Rica in November 2016, and, like Díaz Morales, is awaiting extradition to the United States.