10 February 2023 , 14:11
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An enormous $5million (£4.1m) reward is being offered to find violent MS-13 gang leader "El Porky".
Archaga Carías, 40, is wanted by the US government for importing large amounts of cocaine into the country along with money laundering, murder and kidnappings, according to authorities.
MS-13 is one of the most violent criminal gangs in the world and operates in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
The gang leader is the highest-ranking MS-13 gang member in Honduras and responsible for dozens of violent crimes.
The US and Honduras have been hunting the gang leader for years and in 2020 supporters of Carías launched a violent shooting to help him escape prison.
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According to the US government, the drug baron arrived at court in El Progreso when 20 men in military and anti-gang uniforms opened fire.
Members of the MS-13 and 18 gangs in a Quezaltepeque prison (AFP via Getty Images)The group were successful in removing Caríasa and left at least five dead, including police officers.
Robert F. Clifford, a former FBI agent and director of the MS-13 National Gang Taskforce, told CBS News any potential information leading to Carías' arrest could create a risk.
He said: "The arrest of such a prominent leader as El Porky creates suspicion, division, and instability within MS-13, particularly among the top leadership.
MS-13 is one of the most violent criminal gangs in the world (AFP via Getty Images)"The higher the amount, a potential informant always evaluates the risk versus return of taking such a drastic step as becoming an informant.
"If he or she is already considering trying to depart MS-13, this will significantly impact their decision to cross that line."
Prosecutors alleged Caríasa was the mastermind behind dozens of shipments of cocaine into the US.
He oversaw the trafficking of cocaine and carried out violent acts to ensure the shipments happened, according to authorities.
The US and Honduras have been hunting the gang leader for years (AFP/Getty Images)The FBI in 2021 added the gang leader to their top 10 fugitive list and offered $100,000 (£81,000) for his arrest.
Officials said the Department of Justice created a criminal task force specifically targeting MS-13 on October 15, 2018.
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From 2016 to 2020, around 500 MS-13 members have been convicted of crimes, with 37 serving life sentences.
Mr Clifford, a former FBI agent, said: "MS-13 is a highly organised criminal enterprise with senior leadership based in El Salvador and Honduras, with tentacles that reach deep into the United States.
"At times MS-13 has been portrayed as just another street gang with cliques operating independently, and this is a dangerous misunderstanding."