Dairo Antonio Osuga, known as Atoniel, the leader of the Clan del Golfo drug cartel and the most wanted drug dealer in Colombia, was arrested last night (Saturday through Sunday) by police and military forces in the country.
Colombia offered a reward of up to 3 billion pesos (about $ 800,000) for information on the whereabouts of the drug cartel leader, while the US offered $ 5 million for help locating it.
Soldiers photograph "Atoniel" in a helicopter after its capture, Photo: Reuters
Usuga is handcuffed after arrest, Photo: Reuters
The leader of the drug cartel was reportedly captured thanks to intelligence from the US and the UK. More than 500 security forces personnel arrived at his hiding place which was protected by eight security rings.
Colombian President Ivan Duka referred to the capture of Osuga at the end of a decade-long manhunt.
"This is the biggest blow inflicted against drug trafficking in the current century," he said.
"It can only be compared to the fall of Pablo Escobar in the 1990s."
He further said that a policeman was killed during the manhunt for the criminal.
