Honduras’ Prison System Under Siege: MS-13 and Barrio 18 Gangs Dominate Cocaine Trafficking

Tegucigalpa - Honduras is grappling with a prison system in crisis, as mafia-style gangs MS-13 and Barrio 18 exert their influence over the cocaine trafficking and distribution markets. The two groups, known for their brutality and ruthlessness, have developed a more business-oriented approach to their criminal activities.

Gangs’ Presence in Prisons

According to sources within the Honduran government, MS-13 has established a significant presence in the country’s prison system, with a large membership and a deep collective identity. Barrio 18, on the other hand, is still taking a more traditional approach to drug trafficking. The two gangs have formed alliances with other criminal networks, allowing them to dominate the cocaine trade.

Other Criminal Activities

In addition to drug trafficking, MS-13 and Barrio 18 are involved in other criminal activities such as:

Car theft
Extortion of large businesses

Corruption Plagues Governance

The Honduran government has been criticized for its failure to tackle corruption within its ranks. High-level officials have been accused of colluding with criminal organizations, despite public promises to address the issue.

Measured Taken

Measures such as:

Purge of police officers
Extradition of some criminal suspects to the United States

have been taken, but entrenched corruption has undermined these efforts and led to high levels of public distrust in politicians and institutions.

Criminal Justice System Struggles

The Honduran judiciary is considered inefficient, corrupt, underfunded, and understaffed. It is politicized and subject to intimidation and attacks, leading to extremely high levels of impunity.

Challenges

Severe lack of resources
Allegations of systemic corruption
Location at the center of a major trafficking corridor for humans, drugs, and illicit goods

Prison System Overwhelmed

Honduras’ prison system is overcrowded, unsanitary, and understaffed, making it an ideal environment for criminal organizations to operate. The country’s prisons are controlled mostly by MS-13 and Barrio 18, exacerbating the problem of crime and corruption.

Consequences

High levels of violence and intimidation
Limited support for victims and witnesses of crime

Economic and Financial Challenges

Honduras has been assessed as having a high risk of money laundering and terrorist financing. The country’s capacity to fight these crimes is hindered by:

Lack of investigative capabilities
Training, cooperation, transparency, and information sharing

Economic Regulatory System

The country’s economic regulatory system is also believed to disproportionately benefit private companies, many of which are involved in corruption or owned by criminal organizations that control sectors of the economy.

Support for victims and witnesses of crime is limited, with a noticeable lack of resources or institutions. Prevention programs aimed at tackling drug trafficking and consumption tend to take a punitive rather than preventative approach.

Threats to Activists

Activists working to protect the environment are often targeted by smear campaigns, attacks, and even killings. Journalists and media workers are also unsafe in Honduras, with many self-censoring out of fear.

International Support

In response to these challenges, international organizations such as the Organization of American States have established initiatives to support the fight against corruption and impunity in Honduras. However, these efforts have been hindered by political and economic elites, leading to a lack of progress in addressing the country’s criminal justice and security issues.