Alleged Guatemalan Drug Kingpin With $10M Reward Arrested in San Diego
On April 24, 2026, Eugenio Dario Molina-Lopez, known as "Don Dario," was arrested in San Diego. Molina-Lopez is accused of leading Los Huistas, a transnational drug trafficking organization based in Northwest Guatemala, operating primarily in the Huehuetenango region along the Mexico border.
Authorities charged Molina-Lopez as a key figure in a massive cocaine trafficking network. The arrest followed Operation Guerrilla Unit, a multi-year investigation coordinated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), including its Attaché office in Guatemala City, and the United States Attorney's Office in San Diego.
The operation targeted Molina-Lopez, the Los Huistas group, and their cocaine suppliers across multiple U.S. federal districts and countries. Los Huistas reportedly engages in extensive cocaine trafficking between Guatemala and the United States.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, aiming at disrupting high-level narcotics networks. Molina-Lopez was captured with a $10 million reward placed on his apprehension.
The case represents continued bilateral cooperation between U.S. and Guatemalan authorities in addressing transnational drug trafficking threats. Molina-Lopez's initial federal court appearance took place in San Diego shortly after his arrest.
