Colombia arrests 7 soldiers on alleged links to drug-trafficking militia

[Joanne98]

Source: AP

BOGOTA, Colombia: Colombia has arrested seven soldiers on charges of helping an outlawed far-right militia kill rivals and smuggle drugs, authorities said Thursday.

The suspects, including a lieutenant colonel, were turned over to civilian prosecutors on Wednesday, the army said in a statement. Authorities are also seeking three more soldiers in the case.

Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos said "there is some evidence" that the suspects were working with Daniel Rendon, who is known as "Don Mario." Rendon acknowledges running a paramilitary band but denies trafficking in cocaine and heroin.

Colombia is lobbying hard for a U.S. free trade pact that has been stalled by Democrats in the U.S. Congress. The deal's opponents say they are concerned by links between parts of the security forces and the militias.



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