Three Guatemalan nationals extradited to face federal drug charges in Texas
Sherman, Dallas – Three Guatemalan nationals have been extradited to the United States to face serious federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, marking another major step in international efforts to disrupt large-scale narcotics operations. The announcement was made by Jay R. Combs, who confirmed the extraditions followed separate federal indictments.
The defendants were identified as Adelfo Federico Valdez Santos, also known as “Lico Valdez,” 43; Pedro Pablo Oliva Catalan, also known as “Peke” and “Peques,” 36; and Kelvin David Beron Ramirez, also known as “Catracho” and “Crunchi,” 37. All three men were extradited from Guatemala to the United States on January 30, 2026.
Allegations of International Cocaine Trafficking
According to court documents, each defendant was named in a separate federal indictment alleging involvement in a broad conspiracy to manufacture, transport, and distribute large quantities of cocaine. Prosecutors say the drugs were intended for distribution inside the United States, with the accused allegedly working alongside other international traffickers to move narcotics across borders.
Federal authorities allege the men played key roles in supporting these operations, helping move cocaine through international supply routes before it entered U.S. markets. If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life in federal prison, underscoring the seriousness of the charges.
Homeland Security Task Force Effort
These prosecutions fall under the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, created by Executive Order 14159, titled Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF brings together federal agencies in a coordinated effort to dismantle criminal cartels, transnational gangs, human smuggling networks, and drug trafficking organizations operating both domestically and abroad.
The initiative places a strong focus on removing violent criminal aliens from the United States and aggressively pursuing organizations that fuel violence, instability, and illegal drug flow. Special emphasis is also placed on crimes involving children, including trafficking and exploitation.
International Cooperation and Investigation
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration Dallas Field Division, working closely with multiple international offices, including DEA teams in Guatemala City, Bogotá, Cartagena, Panama, and San José. This coordination highlights the global scope of modern drug trafficking cases and the level of cooperation required to bring suspects to justice.
The U.S. Department of Justice extended its appreciation to the Government of Guatemala, along with Guatemalan prosecutors and law enforcement officials, for their role in executing the arrests and extraditions. Additional assistance came from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala, all of which played key roles in securing the defendants’ transfer.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan, and proceedings will continue in federal court in Texas as the defendants face the charges brought against them.
The extraditions reflect ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities and international partners to hold global drug traffickers accountable and cut off the flow of illegal narcotics into American communities.
