Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez was expected to make a virtual appearance in a federal court in New York on Friday to face drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Mr Hernandez was arrested in Honduras and extradited overnight to the US.
He boarded an aircraft in Honduras with agents from the US Drug Enforcement Administration on Thursday, only three months after leaving office.
US Attorney General Merrick Garland accused Mr Hernandez of abusing his position as president of Honduras “to operate the country as a narco-state".
Mr Hernandez, who served as president of the Central American nation from 2014 until this year, was charged in court documents with participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices.
Mr Hernandez was arrested at his home in Tegucigalpa in February at the request of US authorities. Honduras’s Supreme Court rejected his appeal against a judge’s decision favouring extradition.
His court appearance on Friday in New York was expected to be virtual because of Covid-19 protocols, authorities said.
Mr Hernandez has denied any wrongdoing. In a video message released on Thursday, he said: “I am innocent. I have been and I am being unjustly subjected to prosecution.”
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A fan cheers in the first half of the World Cup Qualifying game between Honduras and the United States at Allianz Field. AFP -
Weston McKennie of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal against Honduras. Getty Images / AFP -
The referee issues a yellow card to Wisdom Quaye of Honduras. Getty Images / AFP -
US forward Christian Pulisic (10) controls the ball between Honduras midfielder Alfredo Mejia (8) and Devron Garcia during the second half. AP Photo -
A USA fan holds a flag during the World Cup qualifier Concacaf football match between USA and Honduras. AFP -
Matt Turner of the United States warms up before the start of a World Cup Qualifying game against Honduras. Getty Images / AFP -
Bryan Róchez of Honduras hits a header against the United States in the second half. Getty Images / AFP -
Stephanie-Dale Yee Sing works the sideline during the second half. AP Photo -
Maynor Figueroa of Honduras looks on against the United States in the second half. Getty Images / AFP -
Honduras midfielder Juan Delgado (6) controls the ball in front US midfielder Luca de La Torre (17). AP Photo
