Colombia extradites paramilitary warlord to United States to face drug trafficking charges

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Colombia extradited a paramilitary warlord to the United States on Wednesday for trial on drug charges, accusing him of violating a peace pact by selling drugs and commanding illegal militia fighters from prison.

Carlos Mario Jimenez was escorted onto a Super King 350 plane in a Bogota airport hangar shortly after midnight.

Authorities said he was flown to Washington via Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Later Wednesday, officials announced the seizure of 25 homes, 23 vehicles and six businesses belonging to Jimenez that they valued at $20 million -- as well as goods including 26 watches and 14 Mont Blanc pens.

The extradition sends the message to other jailed warlords that they, too, could be shipped abroad to face stiffer prison sentences if they revert to crime.

Colombia's police chief, Gen. Oscar Naranjo, told Caracol radio that authorities have some evidence other militia bosses are continuing to run criminal groups from jail, "but not enough to make judicial decisions."

The Supreme Court ruled last month that Jimenez should not leave the country until he confessed to his crimes and provided reparations to victims.

Colombia's top judicial panel overturned that decision Tuesday, and he was hustled out of the country just hours later.