Vanegas Lora and Ahumada Arboleda, Cocaine Importation, Florida 2013

MIAMI, FL – In a major blow to international narcotics trafficking, two Colombian nationals have been extradited to the United States to face charges involving the importation of kilogram quantities of cocaine into the country.

Omar Alejandro Vanegas Lora, 41, a/k/a “Paco,” and Edinson Antonio Ahumada Arboleda, 48, a/k/a “El Primo,” arrived in the Southern District of Florida on January 23, 2014, and made their initial appearance today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Chris M. McAliley.

According to the indictment, Vanegas Lora and Ahumada Arboleda allegedly ran a scheme to smuggle multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine aboard King Ocean Services cargo vessels that were destined for Port Everglades, while these vessels were docked at ports of call overseas.

The investigation revealed that beginning in at least 2009 through the date of the indictment, the duo allegedly coordinated the offloading of the narcotics from the vessels with Port Everglades employees and other associates, and arranged to have the narcotics delivered to local drug traffickers.

The conspiracy allegedly involved the importation of more than 150 kilograms of cocaine through Port Everglades.

The charges announced today are the direct result of strong international cooperation with Colombian authorities. It also reflects the hard work, commitment, and perseverance of our Colombian and U.S. law enforcement partners to rid our streets of drugs and make our ports of entry safer.

Defendant: Omar Alejandro Vanegas Lora, Edinson Antonio Ahumada Arboleda

Crime: Conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine

City and State: Miami, Florida

Exact Date: January 25, 2013 (indictment date)

Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending

Dollar Amounts: None specified

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/alleged-international-narcotics-traffickers-extradited-colombia-cocaine-importation