Honduran security ministry defends police vehicle rentals amid corruption allegations

The Honduran Ministry of Public Security announced the rental of 30 pickup trucks for the National Police, each costing US$1,450 per month with unlimited mileage, to boost patrol capacity and community coverage for three months. The ministry emphasized market‑based pricing, transparency, and the need for rapid, effective policing.

At the same time, former Vice Minister of Security Julissa Villanueva accused the police of ongoing infiltration by criminal networks and questioned the whereabouts of more than one billion lempiras earmarked for security investments. She called for a forensic audit, warned that cartels operate within the force, and highlighted alleged irregularities such as manipulated crime data and unregistered reports. Villanueva urged a deep institutional purge to restore trust and effectiveness in Honduras' security apparatus.