Colombia arrests 20+ international drug traffickers; one or more to be extradited to Malta

News reports in the Columbian press two weeks ago quote prosecutors in that country saying that more than 20 international drug traffickers, including “several suspected leaders of international criminal networks” have been captured across Columbia over recent months.

They will now be extradited to Spain, Italy, Brazil, Peru, the United States and Malta, the reports say.

The most notorious is Larry Yepes, who will be extradited to Spain to be tried for conspiracy, international narcotics trafficking and money laundering.

Argentia’s most wanted drug trafficker, Alejandro Garcia aka Gato Seco, was captured in Bogota. He stands accused of heading a criminal organisation of 24 Colombian and Argentine citizens and of masterminding a $900 million drug-trafficking and money laundering operation over a decade, fronted by a business in real estate and high-end car sales.

Helmer Gonzalo Chavez will be sent to Spain to be tried for the trafficking drugs from Latin America to Spain with onward distribution into the United Kingdom, Holland, France and Italy.

Angel Rodrigo Mateus Barreto aka Bombillo will stand trial on charges of financing criminal operations in Columbia and co-ordinating the transportation and concealment of cocaine sent via Peru and distributed internationally.

Oscar Elejalde Montoya will be sent to Brazil for trial on international drug trafficking charges.

There is no information on who or how many will be extradited to Malta and whether they are Maltese.