Extradition of Fugitive Oscar Martinez-Hernandez from Venezuela

SAN JUAN, PR—Today, Oscar Martínez-Hernández, also known as “Cali,” age 39, was extradited from Venezuela to Puerto Rico. On January 4, 2012, Martínez-Hernández was arrested by Venezuelan law enforcement authorities in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela. Martínez-Hernández is being extradited based on an INTERPOL Red Notice which was issued in an attempt to locate him.

Martínez-Hernández has been a fugitive for the past 12 years, when he fled awaiting a jury verdict on state murder and weapons charges. On July 15, 1999, he was sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Martínez-Hernández is one of the Police of Puerto Rico’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives.

In addition, Martínez-Hernández is the subject of four separate set of federal charges issued by a federal grand jury (FGJ) from the District of Puerto Rico. These charges are as follows:

■In March 1994, a FGJ charged Martínez-Hernández with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine.

■In November 1999, a FGJ charged Martínez-Hernández with possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
■In May 2001, a FGJ charged Martínez-Hernández with allegedly importing approximately 780 kilograms of cocaine from South America to the United States.
■In June 2011, a FGJ charged Martínez-Hernández for allegedly being the leader and supplier, as well as the individual who oversaw the transportation of multi-kilogram quantities of narcotics.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys George A. Massucco, Carmen Marquez, Jenifer Y. Hernández and Myriam Y. Fernández.

The successful capture of this fugitive was primarily based upon a collaborative effort by the FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, the Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Service (ICE).

“The arms of justice are long and world-wide; thanks to our international law enforcement partners. No matter how much time and effort it takes, these individuals who try to flee will eventually be apprehended and face justice for their crimes,” said Joseph S. Campbell, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI-San Juan Field Office.

“Puerto Rico’s Police Department continues to work hand in hand with all local, state and federal security agencies, in order to ensure and provide our communities with greater public safety. The arrest of such a criminal is proof of the joint efforts between law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico, the United States and countries in the fight against drug and weapons trafficking. Without a doubt we are working towards the right direction in order to win back our communities from those who think that can contaminate our future generations. We are defending the security of the decent and brave citizens who reside in this Island and who most certainly deserve to live in peace,” stated the Superintendent of the Police of Puerto Rico Emilio Díaz Colón.

“The arrest of Oscar Martínez-Hernández demonstrates that no matter how many connections or resources a fugitive may have to escape prosecution, it is only a matter of time before he is found and brought to justice. This was an excellent example of international law enforcement cooperation,” said Orlando Rivera, U.S. Marshal for the District of Puerto Rico.

“The DEA in conjunction with FBI, ICE, and the Puerto Rico Police Department joined forces and resources, and are glad to announce the capture of one of the most wanted fugitives in Puerto Rico and notorious drug traffickers in the Caribbean; Oscar Martínez-Hernández. Martínez-Hernández has been a fugitive for the past 11 years, and, because of his drug distribution activities, has caused violence, bloodshed, and terror in the streets of Puerto Rico. This sends a clear message to all fugitives that no matter how long it takes, we will not rest until they are brought to justice,” said Pedro Janer, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA-Caribbean Field Office.

“The success of this law enforcement operation is an excellent example of cooperation among both our fellow federal law enforcement agencies and international partners,” said Scott Bultrowicz, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. “Working together we bring more criminals to justice.”

The public is reminded a criminal indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.