A joint operation between Colombian, U.S. and Liberian authorities on Monday led to the dismantling of a Liberian drug-trafficking band thought to have ties with Colombian narco-kingpin “El Loco Barrera” and guerrilla group the FARC, reported Colombian media.
Members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested seven people, one of whom was Emeka Okonkwa, alias “Mike,” who is suspected of being the mediator between the Colombian and Liberian criminal gangs.
Okonkwa is wanted for extradition to Colombia, charged with co-ordinating drug-smuggling operations between Colombia and his native country.
According to reports, the Liberian band was using a complex network of routes to traffic illegal drugs from Colombia, to Europe, via Central America, the U.S., Venezuela and Africa.
Manuel Acevedo Sarmiento, alias “Juan,” was also arrested in Bogota for his involvement with the international cartel.