French drug trafficker arrested in Medellín for leading global cocaine network
The National Police detained Soner Nusret Aka, alias "El Francés", in Medellín, accused of leading a cocaine trafficking network from Colombia to Europe.
French drug trafficker arrested in Medellín, head of global trafficking network
The National Police, through the Dijín and Interpol, detained Soner Nusret Aka, alias "El Francés", in Medellín, identified as the alleged head of an international cocaine trafficking organisation. According to caracol.com.co, the French national was wanted by French authorities for the importation and exportation of drugs in an organised criminal group.
According to the investigation, Aka coordinated the shipment of large volumes of cocaine from Colombia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Thailand destined for France. To circumvent international controls, the organisation used maritime and air routes to the European continent.
The operation was made possible thanks to investigations carried out by the French Anti-Drug Office, OFAST, in coordination with the National Police of Colombia and the General Prosecutor's Office. The first strike against the structure occurred in September 2025, when French authorities seized 1,805 kilograms of quinoa impregnated with cocaine that was intended to be distributed in Europe.
Colonel Elver Vicente Alfonso Sanabria, director of Criminal Investigation and Interpol, described the detainee as a high-profile target. "Soner Nusret Aka is considered by intelligence agencies as a high-profile criminal target and risk. Within his criminal record stand out his repeat offences in drug trafficking and a prior warrant for attempted murder, as well as having direct connections with criminal networks across multiple continents," the officer stated.
Sanabria also highlighted a previous incident involving the detainee in the region: "Soner Aka, alias 'El Francés', was previously detained in the Dominican Republic in possession of an assault rifle and large sums of cash, which demonstrates his dangerousness and the logistical capacity of his organisation."
The French national was placed at the disposal of the competent authorities whilst proceedings advance for his extradition or prosecution.
Source: Google News DO — Crime