Colombia’s drug lord, Dairo Antonio Úsuga, is sentenced to 45 years in prison.

Notorious Colombia’s drug lord, Otoniel, pleaded guilty to charges and apologized to the governments and the victims impacted by his crimes.

According to an article published by Borderland Beat, Dairo Antonio Úsuga, alias Otoniel, stood as Colombia’s drug lord, heading the Clan del Golfo, a formidable cartel and paramilitary organization that wielded violence to maintain control over northern Colombia. 

After years of elusiveness, Colombia’s drug lord, Dairo Antonio Úsuga, admitted to high-level drug trafficking charges, leading to a 45-year prison sentence in the US. He expressed remorse and extended apologies to both the US and Colombian governments, as well as to the victims affected by his criminal activities.

Raised in conflict-ridden surroundings, Úsuga’s defense argued that his upbringing influenced his criminal trajectory. However, a US District Judge dismissed this notion, asserting that others have managed to overcome similar circumstances. Colombia’s history is punctuated by conflicts involving guerrillas, paramilitaries, narcotraffickers, and criminals, resulting in extensive suffering and mass displacement.

READ ALSO: A Man from Boston accused with Triple Homicide: Judge Finds Suspect Incompetent to Stand Trial

Throughout his criminal career, Colombia’s drug lord Úsuga engaged with both left- and right-wing groups before assuming leadership of the Gulf Clan, a notorious force recognized for its brutality and control over drug trade routes.

Based on an article published by CNN, To finance its operations, the Gulf Clan imposed levies on cocaine-related activities. Colombia’s drug lord, Úsuga, commanded killings, including gruesome executions, and spread widespread terror, even putting bounties on police and soldiers.

Despite being a high-profile target, Colombia’s drug lord, Úsuga, skillfully evaded capture through various safe houses and intricate tactics.

After his arrest, his organization attempted witness poisoning and launched attacks on the potential witness and their lawyer. The 45-year sentence illustrated the US’s determination to make Colombia’s drug lords accountable for their deeds.

The impact of Colombia’s drug lord, Úsuga’s reign on families and communities was deep-seated, leaving a trail of devastation and loss.

The history of violence in Colombia, tied to poverty and limited opportunities, has led to the deaths of over a million people and the displacement of millions more. While peace accords have been pursued, the struggle to achieve stability in the wake of Colombia’s drug lords’ actions persists.

READ ALSO: Pregnant Woman to Sue the City for Wrongful Accusation Caused by Facial Recognition Technology