A 38-year-old man wanted in Colombia for the murder of seven people is arrested in Tarragona
The National Police have arrested in Tarragona a man wanted in Colombia for the murder of seven people, according to Colombian president Abelardo de la Espriella. This capture ends a 22-year manhunt of one of the leaders of the narcoterrorist group 'La Mesa'.
With a criminal career that places him as the intellectual author of a massacre in Antioquia, the arrest of this individual is a direct blow to the coordination of drug trafficking to Europe.
The arrest and the criminal profile
Who is Jhonatan Alexander Castrillón Arango and why does he matter?
Jhonatan Alexander Castrillón Arango, known as 'Pirry', is a 38-year-old man who has spent two decades fleeing justice. He was second-in-command of the narcoterrorist group ‘La Mesa’ and is accused of being the intellectual author of the massacre of seven workers at a farm in Rionegro, Antioquia, in June 2024. This accusation makes him a key figure for Colombian justice.
What criminal charges is he facing?
He is wanted for homicide, manufacture and trafficking of weapons, membership in criminal groups, and conspiracy to commit a crime. These accusations highlight the severity of his crimes and the complexity of his criminal network that has kept him hidden for more than two decades.
International drug trafficking and extradition
How did this man affect the residents of Tarragona?
Although Tarragona may seem far from Colombia, the arrest of this drug trafficker reveals how the city is part of international organized crime routes. Castrillón coordinated drug trafficking to Europe, with particular impact in Spain, France, and Italy, making Tarragona a key point in this network.
When and how will he be extradited to Colombia?
After the arrest, the National Police is preparing the extradition process so Castrillón can be tried under Colombian law. This measure strengthens international cooperation against crime and shows there is no refuge for criminals operating beyond borders.
Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency
