Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, one of the founders of the Medellín Cartel and former partner of Pablo Escobar, was deported to Colombia on December 4, after serving over two decades in U.S. prison. Ochoa, 67, arrived at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport wearing a gray sweatshirt and carrying only his personal belongings. He was greeted by immigration officials but faced no law enforcement on his arrival.
Ochoa regained his freedom on December 3, having completed 25 years of his 30-year sentence for drug trafficking. According to Colombian immigration authorities, who later confirmed he was not sought after at home, Ochoa was “freed so he could join his family.” Upon stepping off the plane, he expressed relief, stating, “The nightmare is over,” as he embraced his daughter, whom he hadn’t seen for seven years.
The Medellín Cartel, which Ochoa helped run, terrorized Colombia during the late 80s and early 90s, asserting immense control over the cocaine trade to the U.S. and accumulating significant wealth. At the peak of their operations, Ochoa and his brothers were listed among the billionaires by Forbes magazine. Ochoa was connected to countless violent acts during this reign, which included the infamous drug-related killings of politicians, judges, and innocent civilians aligned with the drug wars.
Over the years, Ochoa faced numerous legal hurdles. Originally, he turned himself in to authorities under terms of the Colombian government’s leniency offer and was released from prison early after serving six years. Sadly, he returned to drug trafficking and was apprehended again as part of “Operation Milenio,” which aimed to dismantle key figures of the cartel.
After extradition to the United States, Ochoa was convicted for drug trafficking crimes between 1997 and 1999, with U.S. authorities indicating he brought about 30 tons of cocaine monthly to the country. Despite being portrayed as one of Colombia's notorious drug lords, his incarceration didn’t seem to tarnish his image too heavily, as illustrated by his recent feature on the Netflix series Griselda, where he was dramatized alongside other key figures of the drug trade.
Upon his return to Colombia, Ochoa's presence sparked heated discussions among the public and victims of cartel violence. Many victims emerged from the shadows to express their discontent with the apparent lack of accountability for Ochoa’s deeds. One prominent critic was Carlos Fernando Galán, whose father was murdered at the behest of the Medellín cartel. Galán tweeted, calling it “unacceptable” for Ochoa to evade justice upon returning to Colombia.
Another victim advocate, Gonzalo Enrique Rojas, who lost his father when the cartel downed Avianca Flight 203 killing everyone on board, said Ochoa’s return marks “a chance to learn the truth” about past cartel crimes. He, alongside other advocates, called for Colombian authorities to interrogate Ochoa on unresolved cases tied to his reign.
Richard Gregorie, the retired U.S. attorney involved directly with Ochoa's case, remarked, “He won’t be retiring poor, that's for sure,” indicating Ochoa likely possesses remaining illicit assets, raising fears among those who basked from the cartel's violent past.
Ochoa contends he was misrepresented during his criminal trials, claiming, “I was framed” to reporters at the airport. Even as he reunites with family and attempts to return to normalcy, Colombia confronts the dual crises of its history with drug violence and the reality of how to provide justice for the countless victims of the Medellín cartel.
Despite the demise of the Medellín Cartel's leadership, Colombia remains the world's leading producer of cocaine, with drug production having substantially surged, according to recent statistics, showcasing the persistent challenges the country faces against drug trafficking.
