An image grab from a handout video provided by the Honduran Police shows Honduran former president Juan Orlando Hernandez (center) handcuffed as members of the police take him out of his house after receiving an extradition order from the United States, in Tegucigalpa, on Feb 15, 2022 (HONDURAN POLICE / AFP)

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - The Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) of Honduras ratified on Monday a judge's decision to extradite former president Juan Orlando Hernandez to the United States to face drug trafficking charges.

"The magistrates have ruled against the appeal filed, which means that the decision to grant the extradition of Juan Orlando Hernandez by the judge of first instance (on March 16) is confirmed," CSJ spokesperson Melvin Duarte said during a press conference.

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"By unanimous vote, the extradition is granted in relation to charge number one (conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States)," Duarte added.

The United States requested Hernandez's extradition on three drug trafficking counts, accusing him of importing 500 tons of cocaine as well as using and carrying firearms.

The former president was arrested on Feb 15 and immediately appeared at two preliminary hearings that led to the decision to grant extradition.