British Virgin Islands authorities have extradited Francis Hidalgo-Cedano, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in the District of Puerto Rico. The announcement was made by W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
Hidalgo-Cedano was arrested in the British Virgin Islands on November 5, 2025, following a provisional arrest request from U.S. authorities. He was extradited to Puerto Rico on January 28, 2026.
“This extradition is another important step in our fight against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. This prosecution demonstrates the commitment of the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners, and the cooperation of international authorities to work together to bring drug traffickers to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “We will continue to maximize our multi-agency efforts to disrupt and dismantle international drug cartels that smuggle drugs into Puerto Rico and the continental United States.”
According to court documents, law enforcement officials in Puerto Rico observed Hidalgo-Cedano and others removing a vessel from the water in September 2023. Authorities found approximately 258 packages containing about 305 kilograms of cocaine hidden within the floor of the vessel. During their encounter with law enforcement, Hidalgo-Cedano fled but left his boating license behind.
After his arrest on immigration offenses by British Virgin Islands authorities, U.S. agencies including the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), U.S. Attorney’s Office for Puerto Rico, and Department of State worked together to submit a provisional arrest request for his continued detention pending extradition.
On January 12, 2026, after Hidalgo-Cedano consented to extradition, an order granting his transfer was issued by the Governor of the British Virgin Islands. The OIA coordinated closely with the United States Marshals Service throughout this process.
Assistant U.S. Attorney María Cristina Semanaz Ojeda is prosecuting this case under supervision from Chief Myriam Y. Fernández-González and Deputy Chief María L. Montañez-Concepción from the Money Laundering & Transnational Organized Crime Section.
Hidalgo-Cedano faces six counts related to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine aboard a vessel subject to U.S. jurisdiction as well as conspiracy and importation charges. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison; sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to statutory guidelines.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative created by Executive Order 14159: Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF brings together multiple federal agencies—including FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP components (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), DEA, ATF, IRS, Coast Guard entities—and local partners such as various municipal police departments across Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Police Department for joint efforts against criminal organizations involved in activities like drug trafficking and human smuggling.
An indictment remains an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico handles federal crimes such as public corruption and drug trafficking while also supporting public safety through mechanisms for reporting crimes or fraud (official website). Based in San Juan under leadership including W. Stephen Muldrow (official website), it covers all federal law enforcement matters across Puerto Rico (official website).
