'El Tuso' says DAS let him fly to Panama the day before extradition

[Judi Lynn]

'El Tuso' says DAS let him fly to Panama the day before extradition
Wednesday, 13 April 2011 07:07
Edward Fox

Extradited drug trafficker Juan Carlos "El Tuso" Sierra has said that the DAS afforded him special privileges to leave Colombia when he pleased, even on the day before he was extradited to the U.S.

In testimony given before a court in the United States, Sierra claimed that on the day prior to his extradition, he travelled from Medellin to Panama due to the preferential treatment shown by the DAS toward him, El Espectador reported Tuesday.

He added that the documentation he required was minimal, travelling using only his national identification card, a driving license, a bank account card and a health card. Furthermore, he didn't have to be a part of the rows of passengers prior to documentation checks, instead being allowed to pass through customs almost freely.

El Tuso stated that upon his return, he gave DAS officials small presents for the luxury they gave him and as a sign of appreciation for their deference.

More:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/15560-el-tuso-says-das-let-him-fly-to-panama-the-day-before-extradition.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Colombian intelligence agency under fire

Colombian intelligence agency under fire
Published: April 13, 2011 at 10:44 AM

BOGOTA, April 13 (UPI) -- An alleged drug trafficker said Colombia's intelligence agency allowed him to leave the country the day before he was extradited to the United States. Juan Carlos El Tuso Sierra told a U.S. court he received preferential treatment from the Administrative Department of Security traveling to Panama from Medellin the day before his extradition, El Espectador reported.

Colombia's Supreme Court ordered an investigation involving some 60 police officers, politicians and prosecutors after Sierra's testimony.

Sierra's accusations against the security administration are not the first to implicate state officials. The agency was allegedly involved in a drug trafficking scandal in 2009 by paramilitary organization United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia.

A key witness in the case said President Alvaro Uribe was aware of the cooperation. The case is still being investigated.

More:
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/04/13/Colombian-intelligence-agency-under-fire/UPI-75741302705845/


Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/04/13/Colombian-intelligence-agency-under-fire/UPI-75741302705845/print/#ixzz1JWR8Wxss