Colombia makes sweeping drug arrests

BOGOTA, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Colombia has embarked on what officials describe as the largest anti-narcotics operation in the last 10 years.

Authorities said more than 20 suspects were arrested in busts throughout the country, the newspaper El Tiempo reported Wednesday.

The suspects are said to have ties to Mexican drug cartels known to smuggle cocaine and other illegal drugs into the United States.

The alleged traffickers detained by police were also said to have ties to organized crime in Europe.

The bust -- conducted in several Colombian cities during the last few days -- were part of a joint effort between Colombian counter-narcotics authorities and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.