Colombian Cocaine Kingpin “Diego Rastrojo” Admits Guilt in Florida Court

MIAMI – Diego Perez Henao, 42, known on the streets as “Diego Rastrojo,” admitted today to a decades-long conspiracy to flood the United States with cocaine. The Colombian national, a designated Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficker (SDNT) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, pled guilty to participating in the manufacture and distribution of at least five kilograms – but realistically, 81,100 kilograms – of cocaine destined for American streets. The confession comes after a long and winding road to justice, starting with his capture in Venezuela in June 2012 and culminating in his extradition to the Southern District of Florida in August 2013.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office revealed that Perez Henao’s operation wasn’t a short-lived venture. From 1994 until the 2008 assassination of his key benefactor, North Valley Cartel boss Wilber Varela, “Rastrojo” oversaw the production and shipment of massive cocaine quantities. Even after Varela’s death, the flow continued, with Perez Henao expanding the network and sending thousands more kilos north. The cartel utilized a sophisticated logistical network, employing airplanes, trucks, and even semi-submersibles to bypass detection and deliver the product to Mexican cartels for final distribution within the U.S.

Federal investigators paint a picture of a ruthless organization under Perez Henao’s command. He controlled “dozens of heavily-armed workers,” the DOJ stated, effectively running a private army to secure his cocaine empire. This wasn’t just about moving product; it was about controlling territory, intimidating rivals, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of drugs. The scale of the operation is staggering, and the impact on communities across the country is immeasurable.

“Diego Perez Henao was the kingpin of a prolific drug cartel responsible for the production and shipment of over 80,000 kilograms of cocaine into the United States,” declared U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer. “The conviction of Perez Henao concludes one of the most significant chapters in the history of the Colombian drug trade.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Mark R. Trouville added that Perez Henao’s notoriety even spawned copycat criminal groups in Colombia, who adopted the name “Rastrojos” to signify their own drug trafficking operations.

Perez Henao now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison, with the potential for a much longer term. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Seitz. The case was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and involving agents from the DEA, FBI, and Colombian law enforcement. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Fels. This conviction, while significant, is a stark reminder of the relentless and evolving nature of the international drug trade.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael B. Steinbach emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating international narco-traffickers. “The FBI continues to work with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice international narco-traffickers who infiltrate our borders and poison our society with dangerous drugs,” he stated. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to target the remaining “Rastrojo” organizations operating within Colombia and beyond.