President Iván Duque referred to the extradition of 'Otoniel': “We are going to extradite that scoundrel as soon as possible”

On April 6, the Supreme Court of Justice announced that it endorsed the extradition to the United States of Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, alias Otoniel, the top leader of the Gulf Clan, where he is required for crimes related to drug trafficking. After the news broke, different people have spoken out, among them, the President of the Republic, Iván Duque, who welcomed the decision and noted that the procedure will be carried out quickly.

“First to highlight the patriotic work that the Supreme Court of Justice has done in endorsing the extradition of alias Otoniel, now we will also proceed from the side of the executive branch with the necessary speed to advance this decision,” the president said, adding that: “With this procedure already taken, what comes next is the signing by and from that moment on there is a space of 10 days that have to be fulfilled according to the law, but the idea is clear and it is also incontrovertible. We are going to extradite that criminal, that bandija, that sewer rat as soon as possible.”

In the same vein, the President emphasized that 'Otoniel' will not only respond to international authorities, but also to Colombian authorities.

“Any extradition of this type of offender is not an obstacle to continuing to appear before the calls of the Colombian justice system, also under the principle of reparation for crimes that have occurred in Colombia. Once the sentences for drug trafficking are served in the United States, these criminals have to return to the country to pay their sentences for other crimes committed in our country,” he concluded.

For his part, the director of the police, General Jorge Luis Vargas, assured that in a few days the respective transfer will be made and, in the same sense, the president said that it will be in the shortest possible time.

“It will be a matter of a few days before this mandate of the Supreme Court and the President of the Republic to send it to courts in the United States, where it is required by three courts in that country, for crimes related to large tons of drug trafficking,” commented the director. In turn, he stressed that alias Otoniel had business with the most powerful cartels in the world.

General Vargas recalled that Dairo Antonio Úsuga was captured on October 23 for being responsible for the forced displacement of communities, multiple killings against civilians and members of the security forces, abuse of minors and illegal recruitment. “He tried to escape and delay a process that is ratified today thanks to the Court's decision in law,” added the uniformed.

To prevent the ringleader from escaping, the senior officer confirmed that security measures will be taken at the place of detention of alias Otoniel. “Very specific instructions have been given to the director of La Dijín, to the National Police with specialized units to increase all security and surveillance measures,” said Vargas.

Additional measures to be taken by the Police include the support of special units, technological means and coordination with the Military Forces while air operations are carried out in areas where the Gulf Clan intended to initiate the escape of the captured person.

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