This weekend's operation occurred around 12:30 a.m., when a U.S. agent and Honduran National Police arrested four suspects and seized 792 pounds (360 kilograms) of cocaine, said U.S. Embassy spokesman Stephen Posivak in Tegucigalpa. He said six other people were arrested later on suspicion of aiding the smuggling operation.

Posivak said the U.S. agent opened fire after the suspect reached for a gun in a holster, and the suspect died at the scene. Three of the men arrested were part of the ground crew, Posivak said, and the fourth was piloting the small plane loaded with cocaine. He said their nationalities are not yet clear.

Posivak confirmed that the law enforcement agents were working in State Department helicopters and said their arrests and seizures reflect "a great example of positive US-Honduran cooperation," although he said the loss of life was unfortunate.

The incident took place in the area of Brus Laguna, about 12 miles (20 kilometers) away from Ahuas, the site of the May 11 shooting, according to Ahuas mayor Lucio Baquedano.