Colombian Warlord Extradited to U.S. on Drug and Terrorism Charges

A Colombian warlord, Geovany Andres Rojas, known as ‘Araña’ or ‘The Spider’, has been extradited to the United States. His extradition had been delayed for several months while he was involved as a peace negotiator under Colombia’s previous administration. Rojas is now in California, in the custody of federal agents, facing drug trafficking and terrorism charges.

For years, Rojas served as a leader of Comandos de la Frontera, a rebel group heavily involved in cocaine trafficking in Putumayo, a province that borders Ecuador and Peru. Previously protected from extradition by former Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Rojas was involved in peace discussions with the Colombian government. However, the new administration led by conservative President Abelardo de la Espriella has changed course. De la Espriella lifted the ban on Rojas’s extradition, reflecting a significant shift in the country’s security policy.

“You don’t build peace by protecting narco-terrorists like this bandit,” De la Espriella said, overseeing Rojas’ transfer to the U.S. “I ask U.S. authorities that he cannot negotiate deals that will leave his crimes unpunished.”

The U.S. Justice Department released a photo showing Rojas surrounded by law enforcement upon his arrival. U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stressed a collaborative effort between Colombia and the Department of Justice to combat narcoterrorism, beginning with Rojas’s case.

Rojas was initially arrested in Bogota in February 2025, with Colombia’s Supreme Court approving his extradition to the U.S. later that year. However, Petro halted the extradition, citing Rojas’s role in ongoing peace talks with several rebel groups, including Comandos de la Frontera.

President De la Espriella, who secured his position with backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump, has adopted a more aggressive stance against crime. Recently, he took measures like militarizing a city in northern Colombia after a drug gang attempted to enforce a curfew.

The Colombian government continues to grapple with violence in rural areas, exacerbated by drug gangs and rebel groups vying for control of territories once held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The 2016 peace accord with FARC, which ended five decades of guerrilla conflict, led to more than 14,000 fighters laying down arms. However, this peace also created power vacuums where illegal activities thrive. Breakaway factions now compete for dominance over drug routes, illegal mines, and extortion operations.

Comandos de la Frontera, established in 2017, includes former FARC fighters who did not join the 2016 peace deal. The group initially allied with Segunda Marquetalia, founded by ex-FARC commander Luciano Marin. This alliance ended two years ago, and Comandos de la Frontera then pursued independent discussions with the government.

Rojas’s initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday, marking the start of his legal proceedings in the United States.