Colombia and U.S. block drug traffic route

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BOGOTA, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The Colombian government has disrupted a drug trafficking route to the United States over which 10 tons of cocaine is transported every month, officials said.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced a joint operation with the United States -- Operation Final Flight -- designed to block a major drug trafficking route through Central America, Caracol Radio reported Friday.

"The determination of the government to confront drug trafficking will remain firm and our strength will continue to grow," Santos said.

Colombian authorities have worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration DEA for more than a year in Cali, Bogota, Barranquilla and Villavicencio where crime and drug trafficking is most prominent.

Authorities have already arrested 36 people wanted for extradition to the United States and seized 21 airplanes, 5 tons of cocaine and $1.5 million.

The route allegedly is run by Colombian drug lord Daniel "El Loco" Barrera, who is known to have connections with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known by its Spanish acronym FARC.