Two indicted in US for Colombian drug smuggling

NEW YORK - US authorities indicted two accused leaders of a Colombian drug-trafficking ring, responsible for importing more than $100 million ($145 million) worth of cocaine and heroin into the United States, according to court papers unsealed.

The indictment in the US District Court in Manhattan charged Andres Cajiao-Barberena and Alvaro Ardila-Rojas with importing thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States between 2002 and July, 2005.

The United States is seeking the extradition of both men, who were arrested on July 21 in Panama City. The arrests resulted in the seizure by US and Panamanian law enforcement of 1345 kilograms of cocaine and 15 kilograms of heroin, worth more than $27 million, hidden inside a construction crane.

According to the indictment, both men are accused of being part of an international drug organisation led by Felipe Salazar-Espinosa, known as "Hoover," in a ring that transported large quantities of cocaine and heroin on speedboats from Colombia to Panama.

The drugs were then stashed inside heavy machinery and transported to a Mexican drug transportation organisation for importation into the United States, the indictment said.

Cajiao-Barberena acted as head of the drug ring's Panama operations while Ardila-Rojas headed transportation, the indictment said. Salazar-Espinosa was arrested in Cali, Colombia, on May 23, but continued to make decisions regarding drug shipments from jail.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $100 million, representing the amount of the drug proceeds.

- REUTERS