Faced with American justice, the drug lord “Otoniel” pleads not guilty

Dairo Antonio Usuga David, alias "Otoniel", Colombian drug lord, in Bogota before his extradition to the United States, May 4, 2022. via REUTERS - COLOMBIA POLICIA NACIONAL

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Extradited to the United States on Wednesday, “Otoniel” pleaded not guilty Thursday, May 5, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.

While his criminal group has launched a reprisal operation in Colombia, the drug lord claims to be innocent of the charges brought against him and for which he faces life imprisonment.

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“Otoniel”, real name Dairo Antonio Usuga David

, denied in block, standing in this New York court, dressed in the traditional “orange jumpsuit” of American prisoners.

He is accused of having led a criminal enterprise between 2003 and 2021, as well as of criminal conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine, in particular to the United States.

On Thursday, May 5, the Gulf Clan boss waived bail and requested a jury trial.

► To read also: "Otoniel", the biggest drug trafficker in Colombia, extradited to the United States

The next hearing is scheduled for June 2.

These hearings resonate in Colombia, where the lieutenants of "Otoniel" have launched what they call an " 

 ".

Concretely, the criminal group is blocking roads and pressuring businesses not to open their doors.

The population has been ordered to stay at home until next Tuesday.

Schools were closed as a precaution, as was the road between Medellin and the Atlantic coast.

Four departments in northwestern Colombia are affected, including that of Antioquia.

Local authorities have offered a reward of 10 million pesos, the equivalent of 2,300 euros, for any information about members of the Gulf clan.

The Minister of the Interior promises to respond to these attempts at intimidation with " 

 ".

► To read also: Arrest of "Otoniel", Colombian drug baron: "This strategy does not solve anything"

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