Colombian President Gustavo Petro extradited a suspected drug lord known as "Pipe Tulua" to the United States early Tuesday, hours before meeting President Donald Trump. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said Petro ordered the expedited transfer as extraditions resumed after a months-long pause tied to stalled peace talks. Nearly 70 officers escorted the inmate onto an executive jet departing Bogotá, and Colombia's recent acceptance of US deportation flights was seen as an attempt to ease tensions ahead of the visit.
Petro Extradites Suspected Drug Lord 'Pipe Tulua' Hours Before White House Meeting
Andres Felipe Marin Silva, aka "Pipe Tulua," is escorted before being extradited to the US in Bogota (PRENSA POLICIA NACIONAL)(PRENSA POLICIA NACIONAL/Colombian National Police/AFP)
Colombian President Gustavo Petro extradited a suspected drug lord known by the alias "Pipe Tulua" to the United States early Tuesday — just hours before his scheduled meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.
Transfer and Security Measures
Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said Petro "gave a very clear order over the weekend" to expedite the transfer. Officials reported the detainee was fitted with a helmet and a bulletproof vest before being placed aboard an executive jet that departed from a military base at Bogotá's airport. Police Colonel Elver Sanabria said nearly 70 uniformed officers were deployed to oversee the operation.
Political Context
The extradition marks a resumption of sending criminal leaders to the United States after months-long suspensions linked to stalled peace negotiations with armed groups. The move follows growing pressure from Washington and a public dispute that included US sanctions targeting Petro and some family members over alleged narcotrafficking.
Colombian authorities also agreed on Friday to accept US deportation flights — a step widely read as an effort to ease tensions ahead of the bilateral meeting in Washington.
Why It Matters
The transfer underlines the diplomatic strain between Bogotá and Washington and signals Petro's willingness to accommodate US demands before high-level talks. Observers say the decision could influence future cooperation on security and extradition matters between the two countries.
Officials described the operation as "swift and tightly coordinated" to minimize disruption ahead of the president's trip.
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