BOGOTA, June 29 (UPI) -- The leader of a Colombian guerrilla group who was captured by Ecuadorian authorities was extradited to Colombia Wednesday, officials said.
Fabio Ramirez Artunduaga, known as Danilo, leader of the 48th Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known by its acronym FARC, was arrested in Quito Sunday, RCN Radio reported.
Ecuadorian officials stopped Artunduaga along with a female companion, Yanenci Hoyos, after they allegedly failed to show proper identification to authorities.
A judge approved the extradition on the grounds that they were undocumented immigrants on Ecuadorian soil.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos expressed his gratitude for the capture of Danilo and for the cooperation of Ecuadorian authorities.
"The collaboration of the government of Ecuador with Colombia is what we need for the criminals to know that nowhere will be safe," Santos said.
Artunduaga is being investigated by Colombian authorities for drug trafficking associated with Mexican drug cartels.
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