Property destruction: On 16 March 2025, in El Guano, Colon, military forces through the Strategic Direction C-2 in coordination with the Joint Task Force Xatruch and the Directorate for the Fight Against Drug Trafficking (DLCN) discovered a coca plant plantation in the mountainous area. The plantation covered 2.1 hectares and contained approximately 20,000 coca plants, which are used as a base for drug production. An abandoned building, likely used for processing the coca leaves, was also found nearby.

Summary

On March 16, 2025, military operations in El Guano, Colón Department, Honduras discovered and destroyed a 2.1-hectare coca cultivation area (approximately 20,000 plants) and processing facilities. This government crackdown operation targeted facilities suspected to be drug production bases, with limited direct supply-chain disruption.

Supply-chain impact

• Potential increase in land logistics checkpoints due to temporary security reinforcement in northern Honduras' Colón Department region
• Concerns over additional security procedures when accessing port and logistics facilities in Caribbean coastal areas
• Risk of cargo transport delays in Guatemala-Honduras border region if Central American anti-drug operations expand
• Expected strengthening of authorities' monitoring of agricultural chemical (fertilizer, pesticide) imports and distribution

Watch points

• Whether the Honduran government plans follow-up large-scale sweep operations and expansion to target areas
• Changes in security measures at ports in Colón Department and neighboring Atlántida Department (Puerto Cortés, La Ceiba)