Colombian cartel kingpin captured in Honduras
- 12 years ago
Honduran police escort a man they say is a top Colombian drug kingpin from the notorious Urabenos gang.
Security personnel from both countries were involved in arresting the suspect, believed to be "El Flaco" - the second in charge of the drug cartel.
The suspect was extradited back to Colombia on Wednesday, where he is wanted on charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The Honduran security minister said international cooperation is essential in the fight against drugs.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HONDURAN SECURITY MINISTER PMPEYO BONILLA:
"Drug crime is inhumane-- it is transnational, so cooperation among all countries should be permanent and wide ranging."
Honduras is a strategic territory for regional cartels that use small planes, trucks, and even makeshift submarines to move Colombian cocaine to consumers in the United States.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.
Security personnel from both countries were involved in arresting the suspect, believed to be "El Flaco" - the second in charge of the drug cartel.
The suspect was extradited back to Colombia on Wednesday, where he is wanted on charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The Honduran security minister said international cooperation is essential in the fight against drugs.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) HONDURAN SECURITY MINISTER PMPEYO BONILLA:
"Drug crime is inhumane-- it is transnational, so cooperation among all countries should be permanent and wide ranging."
Honduras is a strategic territory for regional cartels that use small planes, trucks, and even makeshift submarines to move Colombian cocaine to consumers in the United States.
Simon Hanna, Reuters.