On March 28, 2025, Carlos Lehder, a notorious former drug lord and co-founder of the Medellín Cartel, landed in Bogotá, Colombia, after nearly four decades away. His return, however, was not the peaceful homecoming he had envisioned. Instead, he was immediately detained by Colombian authorities upon arrival from Germany due to an outstanding arrest warrant.
Lehder, now 75 years old, was arrested by Migration Colombia after officials discovered a warrant for his arrest related to the manufacturing, trafficking, and carrying of weapons and ammunition reserved for military use. This warrant dates back to 2017 and is tied to a 1995 conviction, which his lawyer, Sandra McCollins, claims has since expired.
On March 29, 2025, a Bogotá court legalized his capture and ordered his provisional detention. Lehder is set to appear before Judge 18 of the Execution of Penalties on March 31, where his legal situation will be clarified.
Lehder's lawyer, McCollins, had previously contacted the Prosecutor's Office to confirm whether her client had any outstanding legal issues in Colombia. According to her, the response indicated that no such issues existed. She stated, "We consulted using the exact data provided in the request with the name Carlos Enrique Lehder Rivas, and no records of connection to criminal proceedings appear." This led her to believe that Lehder could safely return to his homeland.
Despite this assurance, Lehder's arrival and subsequent detention have reignited discussions around his controversial past. As a key figure in the Medellín Cartel during the 1980s, Lehder was instrumental in establishing drug trafficking routes to the United States, notably using his private island in the Bahamas as a base for drug operations.
Lehder's criminal career began in the 1970s, marked by his involvement in stolen car trafficking before transitioning to drug trafficking. He was known for his intelligence and multilingual abilities, often justifying his illegal activities with a political narrative that criticized U.S. drug policies. In 1987, he became the first major Colombian drug lord to be extradited to the United States, where he was sentenced to 135 years in prison for his role in trafficking over 2,000 kilograms of cocaine.
After serving 33 years, Lehder was released in 2020 due to health concerns and subsequently relocated to Germany, where he held citizenship through his father's lineage. His return to Colombia was marked by a desire to reconnect with his roots and family, as he expressed in a letter to former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, stating his wish to "die in Colombia."
However, his return has raised alarms, not only due to the legal ramifications but also concerning his safety. McCollins has voiced concerns for Lehder's life, given the nature of his past and the information he could potentially divulge regarding the Medellín Cartel's ties to state institutions.
Juan Manuel Galán, son of the assassinated politician Luis Carlos Galán, has suggested that Lehder's presence in Colombia might provide opportunities for further revelations about the violent history of the Medellín Cartel and its connections with the Colombian government. Galán remarked, "The presence of the ex-capo in the country could be positive, as it opens the possibility for him to contribute new insights to the truth, beyond his confessions in the book 'Life and Death of the Medellín Cartel.'"
Lehder's legal challenges continue to unfold as he awaits his court appearance. The Colombian judicial system will have to navigate the complexities of his case, which includes the validity of the arrest warrant and the historical context of his criminal activities. The court's decision will not only impact Lehder's future but also resonate with the ongoing dialogue about Colombia's past struggles with drug trafficking and violence.
As Lehder faces potential legal consequences, his case serves as a reminder of the tumultuous era of the Medellín Cartel, which left an indelible mark on Colombian society. The upcoming hearings will be crucial in determining whether Lehder will face further incarceration or be released back into society.
In the meantime, the Colombian public watches closely, aware that the legacy of the Medellín Cartel is far from forgotten. The implications of Lehder's return extend beyond his personal fate, touching on broader themes of justice, accountability, and the ongoing impact of drug trafficking in Colombia.
