U.S. Captures Guatemalan Drug Kingpin Eugenio Molina Lopez

U.S. authorities have apprehended Eugenio Molina Lopez, a 61-year-old alleged Guatemalan drug kingpin, who was the subject of a $10 million bounty. He is accused of leading the Lo Huista gang, which is alleged to traffic cocaine from South America to the U.S. via Mexican cartels.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California announced his arrest in San Diego, although the specific date of the arrest was not disclosed.

Molina Lopez pleaded not guilty during his federal court appearance on Friday. He faces charges of conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine, which could result in a life sentence.

Adam Gordon, a U.S. Attorney, stated that Molina Lopez is a significant figure in the global cocaine trafficking network.

The U.S. imposed sanctions on members of the Lo Huista gang in 2022, and Molina Lopez is listed among Washington's top 100 wanted fugitives. Baldomero Samayoa, also known as Chicharra or Cicada, was previously captured in Mexico and deported to Guatemala as part of a joint effort between the two countries.