U.S. Begins Proceedings to Extradite Drug Ring Cash Launderer From Colombia

The Justice Department announced today that it has started proceedings to extradite from Colombia a Medellin drug cartel figure wanted on charges of laundering huge sums of money.

Eduardo Martinez Romero, arrested by Colombian police Sunday in the nationwide operation against drug dealers, was indicted by a federal grand jury last March on money-laundering charges.

“The extradition process has begun,” one federal law enforcement official said.

Extradition Negotiations

Another official said the extradition negotiations are being handled by the State and Justice Departments with the Colombian government.

Martinez Romero appears to be the most important person arrested so far among 10,000 held under President Virgilio Barco’s emergency decrees announced last Friday, which included the reinstatement of an extradition agreement with the United States so that drug dealers can stand trial.

Colombian police officials who seized Martinez Romero described him as a top figure in the powerful Medellin cartel, which together with a rival cartel is responsible for 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States.

Martinez Romero would be the first of about 12 Colombians that Atty. Gen. Dick Thornburgh has said the United States will seek to extradite.

80 Named in Indictments

A State Department official who spoke on condition that he not be named said at least 80 Colombians, possibly more, are named in U.S. drug indictments.

The official would not give the exact method by which they would be brought to the United States, saying that whoever was dispatched to collect the suspects would become a target for drug traffickers in Colombia.

The federal grand jury indictment against Martinez Romero outlined how undercover agents in “Operation Polar Cap” had cracked what they described as the biggest money-laundering operation on record.

According to the 75-page indictment filed in Atlanta, Martinez Romero acted as a broker in negotiating with money laundering groups on the cost of laundering the cartel’s drug proceeds.

“We would be interested in getting him back to stand trial,” one official said. “Whether we get him or not is another matter.”

Other Wanted Figures

Justice Department sources said the identities of other wanted Colombian drug figures have not been revealed, partly out of concern that they might disappear.

The White House said the United States is prepared to assist Colombia in its battle with drug lords, but has not received any requests for additional help.

“We’re always prepared to give Colombia the assistance and support that they request,” Deputy White House Press Secretary Alixe Glen said in Kennebunkport, Me., where President Bush was vacationing.