Colombians face U.S. drug charges

WASHINGTON, May 13 (UPI) -- Fourteen alleged members of a former right-wing Colombian paramilitary group have been extradited to the United States on drug charges, U.S. officials said.

The 14 include high-ranking former leaders of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia, or AUC, considered a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union.

The U.S. Justice Department said the charges include conspiracy to import, manufacture and distribute cocaine; providing material support to a terror group and money laundering. The department said as part of the extradition process, the United States has assured Colombia the men won't face the death penalty.

The defendants are scheduled to face court proceedings in Washington, Florida, New York and Texas.

At the White House, Press Secretary Dana Perino was asked whether the extraditions would influence the congressional logjam on the Colombia free trade agreement.

"Well, you can certainly hope that this would persuade Congress, the Democratic leaders in Congress, specifically Speaker (Nancy) Pelosi (D-Calif.), that she would see this as yet another sign," Perino said.

"But I would point out to you that this is not the first time that these types of extraditions have taken place, and in fact, since President (Alvaro) Uribe (Velez) has been in power since 2002, he has worked tirelessly on a range of issues, especially in regards to the security front."