Colombia: A Drug Kingpin Goes Free

A Drug Kingpin Goes Free

The headline in the daily El Tiempo seemed to say it all: ONCE AGAIN THE MAFIA MAKES A FOOL OF COLOMBIA. The paper was denouncing the release from prison last week of Billionaire Jorge Ochoa Vasquez, 38, reputedly a leader of a crime cartel that supplies 80% of the cocaine consumed in the U.S. Ever since Ochoa was arrested at a roadblock on Nov. 21, Washington and Bogota had been negotiating over his extradition to the U.S., where he is wanted on drug trafficking charges.

Precisely how Ochoa was sprung remains murky. One of his attorneys reportedly showed up at Bogota's...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!