BOGOTÁ (AP) — The Clan del Golfo has spread threats and harassed the population in its areas of influence in Colombia in retaliation for the extradition to the United States of its top boss, Dairo Antonio Úsuga David, better known as “Otoniel.”
Defense Minister Diego Molano headed an extraordinary security council on Friday with local authorities from the departments of Bolívar, Córdoba and Sucre, in the north of the country, to define urgent actions.
Úsuga David, considered the most dangerous drug trafficker in Colombia, was extradited on Wednesday and now faces drug trafficking charges before a court in the Eastern District of New York, before which he pleaded not guilty on Thursday.
The Clan del Golfo drug trafficking organization began an armed strike the day before – a guideline that seeks to restrict free movement under threat – that would last until May 10 and with which they seek to prevent the carrying out of economic and social activities.
The Clan del Golfo has been identified by the authorities as the alleged perpetrator of violent actions in recent hours, such as the burning of vehicles and the murder of a merchant who would have refused to follow their orders.
The streets of several municipalities, including those of the capital of Córdoba, have looked desolate with most of their businesses closed. As a preventive measure, local leaders suspended school activities on Friday in the departments of Sucre and Córdoba.
Colombian authorities estimate that the Clan del Golfo has more than 3,500 people among its ranks dedicated to illicit activities such as drug trafficking and extortion. Under the command of “Otoniel”, the Clan del Golfo reached the capacity to export about 20 tons of cocaine per month to twenty countries.
The capture of Úsuga David in October 2021 in the mountains of the northwest of the country did not mean the end of the Clan del Golfo.
The director of the police, General Jorge Luis Vargas, said on Friday in an official statement that they are working to capture members of the criminal organization that has divided and operates with several leaders. “Where the acts of violence are taking place is a criminal area belonging to that drug trafficker named Gonzalito,” added Vargas. This is José Gonzalo Sánchez, who has arrest warrants for the alleged crimes of homicide, trafficking and carrying weapons and conspiracy to commit a crime.
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