NEW YORK, July 27 (UPI) -- A Panamanian who allegedly exported large amounts of heroin and cocaine to the United States has been extradited, U.S. officials said Friday.
Andres Cajiao-Barberena faces trial in New York, Preet Bharara, U.S. attorney for Manhattan said. Cajiao-Barberena was indicted on drug trafficking charges by a federal grand jury.
Investigators say that Cajiao-Barberena was in charge of operations in Panama for an organization headed by Manuel Felipe Salazar-Espinosa. The group allegedly brought cocaine and heroin from Colombia to Panama by sea and then smuggled it into Mexico, concealed in heavy machinery, and from there to the United States.
The organization allegedly moved at least 10,000 pounds of cocaine from 2005 to 2007.
"As alleged, Andres Cajiao-Barberena was a central figure in an international narcotics ring that spread its tentacles from Colombia to Panama and Mexico, and ultimately, to the United States," Bharara said. "But the United States justice system has a long reach too -- and every drug lord who thinks he is safe in some foreign haven but who we bring to justice for infecting our communities with cocaine and heroin is an important step forward for all of us."
Salazar-Espinosa, who was convicted in 2007, is currently serving a 30-year sentence. Cajiao-Barberena faces from 20 years to life imprisonment if he is found guilty.
