A federal indictment has been filed against two senior members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP) for their alleged involvement in a cocaine-manufacturing ring that trades cocaine to acquire firearms and engage in terrorist activities in Colombia. The Justice Department announced charges against Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, also known as "Marlon Vásquez," and Juan Diego Palta Montero, also known as "Ñeque."
The indictment includes charges such as attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to engage in narco-terrorism, and distribution of cocaine for unlawful importation. Additionally, Idrobo faces an extra charge related to possession of firearms and destructive devices linked to drug trafficking offenses. Both individuals are believed to be in Colombia and remain at large.
The unsealed indictment describes FARC-EP as a dissident faction that rejected the 2016 peace agreement with the Colombian government. This group is considered Colombia's most powerful dissident organization and is involved in various criminal activities including assassinations, extortion, hostage-takings, and armed assaults. FARC-EP is reported to control significant portions of Colombia's cocaine production.
From March 2023 to March 2024, Idrobo and Palta allegedly attempted to supply FARC-EP with ammunition and weapons by exchanging them for cocaine produced at Colombian laboratories they operated. The case highlights a transaction where seven kilograms of cocaine were traded for cash equivalent to $10,715.
In December 2023, a co-conspirator traveled on behalf of Idrobo to examine weapons intended for trade with cocaine into the United States. Discussions during this trip involved plans targeting key Colombian sites such as the presidential palace.
Four additional Colombian nationals have been charged in connection with these activities. Among them are Jorge Eliecer Luque Monsalve ("Jorge Col") and Rubén Darío García Londoño ("Bencho"), who have been detained by authorities. García has been extradited to the U.S., where he appeared in court on May 5.
An indictment serves only as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted on all counts, those charged face potential sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum of 50 years up to life imprisonment.
This investigation involves cooperation between several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division, Bogotá Country Office, Colombian National Police, Czech Republic Police’s National Counterterrorism Agency among others. The cases fall under Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.