Venezuela deported a suspected drug trafficker on Tuesday, saying he was a former police officer involved in spiriting cocaine through the South American country.
The suspect, Wilmer Ignacio Guerrero Ibanez, boarded a military plane amid heavily armed guards en route to Colombia. Two other Colombians also were deported.
Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami said Guerrero is suspected of smuggling drugs through four states in central-western Venezuela. He said he was a former officer in Colombia's national police force.
Guerrero is one of the "20 most-wanted gangsters in Colombia," El Aissami said. He was detained last week in the western coastal town of Tucacas.
U.S. officials in recent years have accused President Hugo Chavez's government of failing to fight drug trafficking effectively. Venezuela denies the charges.
Chavez suspended cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2005, accusing its agents of espionage — accusations U.S. officials denied.
Both governments have recently expressed willingness to cooperate in counter-drug efforts. (AP)
