Bolivian prosecutor approves extradition of FAB colonel to US on drug-trafficking charges
The Public Prosecutor's Office has endorsed the extradition of colonel Henry Crespo Guzmán to the United States over links to drug trafficking. The final decision rests with the Supreme Court of Justice.
Bolivian Air Force colonel faces extradition to US on drug-trafficking charges
According to eju.tv, the Public Prosecutor's Office of the State issued formal approval to extradite colonel Henry Crespo Guzmán of the Bolivian Air Force (FAB) to the United States, after establishing his connection to drug-trafficking activities both in Bolivia and on US territory. The final decision remains in the hands of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ).
Attorney General Roger Mariaca reported that, at the request of the TSJ, his office sent a report certifying Crespo Guzmán's participation in "drug-trafficking activities from years past in the country, Bolivia, as well as in the United States", noting also that the colonel "would be part of an organisation". Mariaca urged the TSJ to "immediately proceed to send this person to the United States".
"It has already been sent to the Supreme Court of Justice, now it is in the hands of the magistrates so that they can consider whether or not to order his extradition", the prosecutor explained at a press conference.
Crespo Guzmán, a member of the active reserve of the FAB, was arrested on 28 August in Santa Cruz when leaving his residence. Against him stood a red notice for conspiracy to export cocaine destined for the United States, as well as for possession of high-calibre machine guns.
Following his arrest, the colonel was transferred to Sucre and admitted to San Roque prison, in compliance with a preventive detention order for extradition purposes issued by Sucre's anti-corruption judge, Lázaro Rocha.
The military officer's defence filed a freedom petition against the head of Interpol Santa Cruz, the Special Force for Fighting Drug Trafficking and the judge who issued the detention order. The First Criminal Chamber of the Departmental Court of Chuquisaca rejected the petition and ordered the continuation of the extradition proceedings to the United States.
Source: Google News BO — Crime