“Beto Marin,” a suspected leader of the defunct Colombian Norte del Valle cocaine cartel is due to appear in a U.S. court for a hearing on whether he should be released on bail.
A judge in Miami scheduled a hearing Friday for Jaime Alberto “Beto” Marin. Authorities say Marin is a kingpin in the cartel, considered the successor of the infamous Cali cartel and predecessor of drug gang “Los Rastrojos.” He faces a possible life sentence if convicted of cocaine trafficking conspiracy.
Marin was extradited to the U.S. earlier this week from Venezuela. He was captured by Venezuelan police and national guard troops on September 16 at the resort island Isla Margarita off the Venezuelan coast.
Marin’s capture and extradition drew praise from Colombian and U.S. officials, who have often accused Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez of weak anti-drug efforts.
