Captured paramilitary and alleged drug lord ‘Don Mario’ said in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo that he is innocent of all drug trafficking charges.
Daniel ‘Don Mario’ Rendón Herrera told El Mundo that he would deny all U.S. drug trafficking charges. He said that the U.S. would be unable to prove that he was a drug trafficker because “I have never in my life exported even one kilo of cocaine”.
He added he had proof that he had never exported cocaine.
He also denied any links to Guillermo Valencia Cossio, former director of
Medellín’s prosecution on trial for corruption, who allegedly exchanged favors for gifts with ‘Don Mario’s’ organization.
“I have never in my life had relations with that man,” he said.
In relation to his exclusion from participating in the Justice and Peace Law, ‘Don Mario’ said he did not want “hatred” becuse it would lead to more deaths.
“I am a leader with many followers. I wanted to contribute to peace in Colombia,” he said.
‘Don Mario’ was excluded from participating in the Justice and Peace Law, which affords benefits, such as reduced
sentences,
to armed rebels in exchange for their demobilization and collaboration
with justice, because he
did not comply with the necessary requirements. He is now in the hands of the ordinary Colombian justice system. The U.S. has ordered his extradition.
‘Don Mario’ was captured by Colombian authorities on April 15.