Colombian crime boss Jose Orlando Buitrago-Rodríguez, known as ‘Tito el Borracho,’ was extradited to the United States today to face drug trafficking charges filed in Puerto Rico. The high-level drug trafficker, who led a transnational criminal organization (TCO) sending cocaine shipments to the US, has been on the run.
Buitrago-Rodríguez was indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in January 2023 for international conspiracy to distribute cocaine, importation of cocaine, and attempt to import cocaine. The Indictment also seeks the forfeiture of 14 properties and five vehicles.
The Attorney General designated Buitrago-Rodríguez as a Consolidated Priority Organizational Target (CPOT) in 2022, putting him on the ‘most wanted’ list for his role in leading the TCO. The DOJ’s Office of International Affairs played a key role in securing his arrest and extradition.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow hailed the prosecution as part of the Department of Justice’s relentless efforts to eliminate drug cartels, emphasizing Puerto Rico’s crucial role in defending against transnational criminal organizations.
Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, emphasized the importance of hunting down those who threaten communities, noting that this capture is another step in their fight to crush violent crime.
The investigation into Buitrago-Rodríguez was a joint effort by numerous agencies, including the FBI, DEA, IRS, US Coast Guard, ICE, HSI, and the San Juan Puerto Rico Municipal Police. An asset seizure operation in Colombia in July 2025 resulted in the seizure of 18 properties worth approximately $6.7 million.
Related Federal Cases
- Horse Trainer Gilberto Escobar-López Arrested for Drug Smuggling · Puerto Rico
- Puerto Rican Men Face Life for Drug Smuggling in Buffalo · Puerto Rico
- Luciano Mendoza-Garcia Convicted of Drug Smuggling · Puerto Rico
- Waterbury Drug Kingpin Delgado Sentenced to Decade Behind Bars · Puerto Rico
- Dominican Man Pleads Guilty to ID Theft and Drug Dealing in Boston · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News