DATE=10/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S COLOMBIA DRUGS (L)
NUMBER=2-254983
BYLINE=JIM MALONE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-S and Colombian officials announced a major
drug crackdown Wednesday, including the arrest of a
man authorities describe as a key player in a leading
Colombian drug cartel. Details now from V-O-A
Correspondent Jim Malone in Washington.
TEXT: Officials in both Washington and Colombia say
the arrest of more than 30 suspected drug dealers and
money launderers is the biggest blow to Colombia's
drug cartels since 1995.
Among those arrested by Colombian authorities was
Fabio Ochoa, allegedly a former leader of the powerful
Medellin drug cartel.
Mr. Ochoa was arrested in the city of Medellin and
shouted to reporters that he was innocent as he was
led away by police. He was released from prison in
1996 after serving a five year sentence on drug
trafficking charges.
In Washington, U-S Attorney General Janet Reno praised
the cooperation of U-S and Colombian law enforcement
officials in connection with the year-long
investigation known as Operation Millennium.
/// RENO ACT ///
These defendants teamed to create a consortium
of major drug trafficking networks in Colombia,
as well as Mexico and into the United States - a
consortium believed to be responsible for
flooding our streets with as much as 30 tons of
cocaine every month.
/// END ACT ///
Appearing with Attorney General Reno at a Washington
news conference was Colombia's Ambassador to the
United States, Luis Alberto Moreno.
/// MORENO ACT ///
In Colombia, we are really committed to breaking
more and more the linkages between drugs and
violence. It is people who consume drugs in
this country (the United States) that produce
deaths in our country. And I say to all the
families who can help somebody - stop consuming
drugs to do so. Because in so doing, they are
helping our country be peaceful and to have a
decent living.
/// END ACT ///
Colombia's National Police Director, General Rosso
Jose Serrano, says those arrested in his country will
be extradited to the United States for trial. U-S
officials hope that will happen, and say they are
encouraged by the statements of Colombian authorities.
(Signed)
NEB/JBM/JP
13-Oct-1999 15:21 PM EDT (13-Oct-1999 1921 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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