The vast operation took place over the weekend in the village of El Quebrachal. Those involved in the fierce struggle to combat drug trafficking discovered a clandestine airstrip in Urracales, where there is evidence that it has been used to smuggle drugs.

A press conference was attended by the head of the National Directorate of Special Investigation Services (DNSEI), Rene Maradiaga Panchame; the Navy frigate captain, Mauricio Aleman Quiroz; Lieutenant Colonel Jorge Cabrera, of the Honduran Air Force, and Aristides Gonzalez of the DLCN. It was revealed that the planes were found incinerated, and were used to transport cocaine. The runway is 1,500 meters long and 25 meters wide with an operations center where aircraft fuel is supplied. Ash in the area was from a small plane that was left burning for several days, authorities said. Commissioner Panchama confirmed that the confiscation is the result of a series of investigations being carried out jointly.

Among items found were six small empty drums, three large barrels, three car batteries, three fueling pumps, six rolls of electrical wire with the respective light bulbs and a power plant.

Villagers are afraid of providing information because of reprisals that might arise from the drug traffickers. The identity of the owner of the land was not released because the research is ongoing, and divulging such information could hamper the investigations.

The DLCN said there are several organizations working the clandestine airstrips and that the Mexican cartels now have a stake in the country.