Honduras: The reward for information leading to the capture of the leader of the "Devil's Cartel" has been increased to 500,000 lempiras following intense police operations.

The Honduran National Police has increased the reward for information leading to the capture of "El Diablo," the leader of the "Devil's Cartel," to 500,000 lempiras. The Honduran National Police announced an increase in the reward offered for information that could lead to the location and capture of Esteban Gumercindo Ferrera Rodas, known by the alias "El Diablo," who authorities consider one of the country's main criminal leaders. The reward increased from 300,000 to 500,000 lempiras, approximately equivalent to $18,800 - $18,860 US dollars (USD), according to security officials, in an effort to expedite the location of the leader of the organization known as the "Devil's Cartel," which authorities say operates in strategic areas of the Yoro department and northern Francisco Morazán. During operations by Honduran security forces to locate Esteban Gumercindo Ferrera Rodas, alias "El Diablo," authorities reported the arrest of a man identified as José Luis Ferrera Rodas, who is believed to be the leader's brother. The arrest occurred during an operation in rural areas of the municipality of El Porvenir, in the Francisco Morazán department, one of the areas where investigative bodies maintain a permanent presence due to the activity of armed groups linked to organized crime. According to official information, the suspect was intercepted by police and military agents conducting patrols in difficult-to-access areas. During the operation, authorities seized firearms, magazines, prohibited ammunition, tactical equipment, and suspected narcotics, which will be incorporated into the investigation. This update comes after several days of intense police and military operations in the mountainous regions of Honduras, where security forces are conducting an offensive against the criminal organization. Honduran authorities claim that the "Devil's Cartel" is linked to multiple violent incidents, including homicides, contract killings, arms trafficking, and other activities related to organized crime. The Minister of Security, Gerson Velásquez, stated that the operations carried out against this organization have weakened part of its operational capacity through arrests and seizures of high-caliber weapons. Among the most recent results is the arrest of Modesto Murillo Gutiérrez, identified as the alleged logistics manager of the criminal organization. During the operation, authorities seized AR-15 and AK-47 rifles, submachine guns, ammunition, and tactical equipment allegedly used by the group. Honduran police officers escort alleged hitmen from the "Devil's Cartel" who were arrested during an operation in a mountainous area, linked to multiple crimes. (Illustrative Image Infobae) In recent days, other alleged members have been arrested, identified as "El Descuartizador" (The Dismemberer) and "Serrucho" (Saw). According to authorities, these individuals were actively involved in the criminal organization. The National Police confirmed that so far, six of the eight members identified within the core of the "Devil's Cartel," an organization considered one of the most wanted in Honduras, have been arrested. The name of Esteban Gumercindo Ferrera was officially added on April 24 to the list of the most wanted criminals in the country, published by the National Police in an update to its official poster. This list also includes Rolando Josué Sánchez, for whom authorities are offering a reward of five million lempiras, while Yulan Adonay Archaga Carías, alias "El Porky," the leader of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), remains at the top of the list, wanted by both Honduras and the United States with a reward of five million US dollars (USD 5,000,000). The seized weapons were hidden underground and covered with cloths, suggesting a clandestine storage system designed to prevent their detection. (PHOTO: Once noticias) The offensive against the "Devil's Cartel" is taking place in a context of increasing pressure from Honduran authorities against structures linked to drug trafficking, gangs, and organized crime. In recent weeks, the National Congress has promoted reforms to toughen penalties against criminal groups and classify gangs as terrorist organizations, amid an increase in violence and security operations in various regions of the country. While patrols and searches continue in rural and mountainous areas, authorities are actively searching for "El Diablo," considered one of the top security priorities in Honduras for 2026.