The extradition of accused fentanyl trafficker, Orbin Alfredo Velasquez Layaire, from Honduras to the United States marks a significant step in an international effort to curb the flow of dangerous opioids into Oregon. Upon arrival in the U.S., Velasquez was promptly arraigned in federal court where he entered a not-guilty plea to charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Oregon.

The investigation, led by the DEA, uncovered that Velasquez allegedly operated a dispatch-style drug trafficking network within Portland, handling orders for the illicit substance. Efforts to quickly bring Velasquez to justice were momentarily thwarted when he managed to flee to Honduras earlier in 2023, but perseverance on the part of the DEA and collaboration with Honduran authorities eventually ensured his capture and return to the United States.

According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Velasquez was detained in Honduras on June 13 and was subsequently extradited this past week. His initial court appearance occurred today, and the presiding U.S. Magistrate Judge ordered his detention pending the outcome of a jury trial scheduled for October 8.

The prosecution of Velasquez is the result of a coordinated effort involving various U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and HSI's Seattle Field Office. Paul T. Maloney, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon, is spearheading the prosecution.