Colombia arrests alleged ‘invisible’ cocaine trafficker wanted in UK

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia has arrested an alleged British drug trafficker they described as “invisible” because of his low-key lifestyle that allowed him to remain anonymous while operating as the coordinator of a drug-trafficking cartel. cocaine from the South American country to the United Kingdom, according to authorities. said Friday.

Christopher Neil was arrested on Thursday in the northwestern city of Medellin in an operation by local law enforcement and Interpol. They accused Neil of working for the Clan del Golfo cartel in Colombia.

Colombian authorities have coined the term “invisible drug traffickers” to describe those who operate discreetly, maintaining ordinary, low-profile lives that contrast with the eccentricity of the drug lords of the 1980s and 1990s.

Colombia’s National Police said Neil has been living in Colombia since December 2018. The agency said he is wanted in the United Kingdom, where he faces charges of trafficking and money laundering.

Police said they followed a car that drove through Medellin before arresting Neil. They said a multi-million dollar deal between the UK and Colombia played a key role in catching the suspect.

It was not immediately clear Friday whether Neil has an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

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