DATE=10/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S COLOMBIA DRUGS (L)
NUMBER=2-254983
BYLINE=JIM MALONE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  U-S and Colombian officials announced a major 
drug crackdown Wednesday, including the arrest of a 
man authorities describe as a key player in a leading 
Colombian drug cartel.  Details now from V-O-A 
Correspondent Jim Malone in Washington.

TEXT:  Officials in both Washington and Colombia say 
the arrest of more than 30 suspected drug dealers and 
money launderers is the biggest blow to Colombia's 
drug cartels since 1995.

Among those arrested by Colombian authorities was 
Fabio Ochoa, allegedly a former leader of the powerful 
Medellin drug cartel.

Mr. Ochoa was arrested in the city of Medellin and 
shouted to reporters that he was innocent as he was 
led away by police.  He was released from prison in 
1996 after serving a five year sentence on drug 
trafficking charges.

In Washington, U-S Attorney General Janet Reno praised 
the cooperation of U-S and Colombian law enforcement 
officials in connection with the year-long 
investigation known as Operation Millennium.

            /// RENO ACT ///

      These defendants teamed to create a consortium 
      of major drug trafficking networks in Colombia, 
      as well as Mexico and into the United States - a 
      consortium believed to be responsible for 
      flooding our streets with as much as 30 tons of 
      cocaine every month.

            /// END ACT ///

Appearing with Attorney General Reno at a Washington 
news conference was Colombia's Ambassador to the 
United States, Luis Alberto Moreno. 


            /// MORENO ACT ///

      In Colombia, we are really committed to breaking 
      more and more the linkages between drugs and 
      violence.  It is people who consume drugs in 
      this country (the United States) that produce 
      deaths in our country.  And I say to all the 
      families who can help somebody - stop consuming 
      drugs to do so.  Because in so doing, they are 
      helping our country be peaceful and to have a 
      decent living.

            /// END ACT ///

Colombia's National Police Director, General Rosso 
Jose Serrano, says those arrested in his country will 
be extradited to the United States for trial.  U-S 
officials hope that will happen, and say they are 
encouraged by the statements of Colombian authorities.  
(Signed)

NEB/JBM/JP




13-Oct-1999 15:21 PM EDT (13-Oct-1999 1921 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.