Former Honduras national police chief gets 19 years in U.S. prison for cocaine distribution

The former chief of the Honduran National Police has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after he pleaded guilty in a cocaine conspiracy. Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, also known as “El Tigre,” was a member of the Honduran National Police for decades before becoming its leader for a year in 2012. Prosecutors say he rose to power by enabling cocaine trafficking on a massive sale and using violence, including murder, to protect the drug trade. Prosecutors had requested a 30-year prison term. His defense asked for 10. His lawyer said Valladares admits to the drug conspiracy but denied being involved in any murders.