Reputed Colombian drug lord ‘Don Diego’ Montoya will be held without
bail until his U.S. trial on cocaine smuggling and other charges.
A federal judge in Miami issued the order Monday at Montoya’s first
appearance in a U.S. court since his extradition last week from
Colombia. Montoya said little at the hearing and was shackled at his
wrists and ankles.
Montoya is to enter a plea to a 12-count indictment on Jan. 20. His attorney William Clay declined comment after the hearing.
Prosecutors say Montoya led Colombia’s violent North Valley Cartel
that smuggled some $10 billion in cocaine to the U.S. beginning in the
mid-1990s. Montoya was once on the FBI’s list of most-wanted fugitives
and was captured last year in Colombia after a long manhunt. (AP)