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Calix said that, “for the moment,” he does not accept the charges against him.
Mario José Cálix Hernández alias “Cubeta”, former deputy mayor of Gracias, Lempira, pleaded not guilty before a judge in the Southern District Court of New York, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
During a hearing, Calix ‘s defense stated that, “for the moment,” he does not accept the charges against him.
Judge Kevin Castel closed the hearing and set the trial to begin on January 9, 2025, Inner City Press journalist Matthew Russell Lee reported.
The US court also decided to exclude the 90-day period for discussing pre-trial matters.
Charges against Mario Cálix
Mario ‘Cubeta’ Cálix Hernández faces three charges : conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States, as well as the manufacture and distribution of said substance.
He is also accused of carrying and using firearms, as well as conspiracy to do so.
He allegedly collaborated with Alexander Ardón, former mayor of El Paraíso, Copán, and key witness for the Prosecutor’s Office, as well as with former deputy Juan Antonio “Tony” Hernández.
They are alleged to have provided heavily armed security for cocaine shipments in Honduras, including with the participation of members of the National Police and drug traffickers armed with machine guns.
On what date was Mario Cálix extradited?
Mario José Cálix was extradited to the United States on September 4. His capture was carried out on June 21, 2024, in Catacamas, Olancho department.
