In a busy day in Colombian courts, 53 people belonging to several major drug gangs were sent to prison.
Colombian authorities dealt a massive blow to neo-paramilitary group the Urabeños, after two high-ranking leaders were captured along with 14 other members of the drug trafficking organization in the northern department of Santander.
Another 12 were sentenced on charges of aggravated conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms and the aggravated and unlawful use of uniforms and insignia in the neighboring department of Norte de Santander, which borders Venezuela.
Nine members of the Rastrojos, the Urabeños’ main rival and Colombia’s most powerful cartel, were also imprisoned Thursday in the western department of Valle del Cauca for a myriad of charges including murder, drug trafficking, extortion and weapons trafficking.
Finally, a Medellin judge sent 14 members of the Antioquia-based drug gang the Paisas to prison for murder, forced displacement, extortion and drug trafficking.