MOST POWERFUL DRUG KINGPIN SINCE PABLO ESCOBAR EXTRADITED TO NEW YORK; WILL HE GIVE UP CARIBBEAN LEADERS WHO ASSISTED HIM ?

His name is DARIO ANTONIO USUGA DAVID, although most Colombians refer to him as OTONIEL. As the head of the Gulf Clan, its Kingpin, he was responsible for the delivery of more than 73 metric tonnes to the United States, over an eleven-year period. This was thirty per cent (30%) of the total amount that entered the country. Usaga was extradited to New York from Colombia, where he will face American justice in United States District Court in Brooklyn.

Why is this is of interest to the Caribbean ? It seems that Usuga was cooperating extensively with Colombian law enforcement, as assisting in the prosecution of other drug traffickers, and a paramilitary group designated terrorist organisation by the United States. He received safe passage through a number of Caribbean countries, granted by certain national leaders who reportedly received large bribes and other illicit gratuities for protecting Gulf Clan shipments enroute to America. The services provided included safe storage and protection of cocaine shipments whilst within those Caribbean countries.

Given the defendant's recent history of cooperation, most court observers believe that, to receive a sentence that will allow him to be released during his lifetime, and be incarcerated under less restrictive conditions, Usuga will, most likely, implicate those Caribbean leaders who he worked with. This issue immediately came up during his extradition, and will require close monitoring of the progress of his American case, to determine whether plea negotiations, which must be reduced to writing, have occurred.

Usuga has entered a plea of not guilty; it is expected that he will eventually change his plea, and cooperate, in exchange for a reduced sentence. We will be monitoring the court filings, and any indications that point to the possible addition of more targets, such as new arrests, pleadings or documents filed under seal, superseding indictments, or change of plea hearing notices, we shall promptly update our readers accordingly.