Venezuela nabs 6 Colombian paramilitary suspects [View All]

[Judi Lynn]

Venezuela nabs 6 Colombian paramilitary suspects
By CHRISTOPHER TOOTHAKER
The Associated Press
Tuesday, July 27, 2010; 9:11 PM

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Police apprehended six alleged far-right paramilitary fighters from Colombia, including a militia leader wanted in the killing of a Venezuelan mayor near the border with Colombia, authorities said Tuesday.

Johnny Marquez, a federal police investigator in the western state of Tachira, said officers arrested the militiamen during a sting operation near the town of La Fria. He said the group was deeply involved in hired killings, extortion and kidnapping among other crimes.

The leader of the criminal organization, Sandra Barrero, is wanted in Venezuela for her alleged involvement in two murders, Marquez said.

Barrero and the other suspects were being questioned by police investigators and prosecutors, he said. State television said authorities were searching the region for additional members of the group.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/27/AR2010072705375.html