The Fall of "Otoniel": Colombia Deals a Stunning Blow to Drug Traffickers

Colombian armed forces have captured the notorious drug trafficker Dairo Antonio Usuga, known as "Otoniel." This event is described as "the largest blow to drug traffickers and smugglers since the death of Pablo Escobar," according to Colombian President Ivan Duque. Otoniel allegedly leads a major drug trafficking gang that includes about 1,200 armed men, most of whom are former members of right-wing extremist groups in Colombia. The arrest operation involved over 500 members of Colombia's special forces, during which one officer lost his life. Otoniel faces numerous charges, including smuggling dozens of cocaine shipments to the United States, killing police officers, recruiting minors, and sexual assault against children, among other charges. Colombia had offered a reward of up to $800,000 for information on his whereabouts, while the U.S. government offered $5 million.