Medellín Cartel Co-Founder Fabio Ochoa Freed in Colombia After U.S. Prison Term

The former drug lord, deported after 25 years in U.S. custody, faces no pending charges in Colombia, raising calls for justice from victims of cartel violence.

Fabio Ochoa, a key figure in the Medellín Cartel and associate of Pablo Escobar, was deported to Colombia after serving 25 years of a 30-year U.S. prison sentence for drug trafficking.
Colombian immigration authorities confirmed Ochoa, now 67, is not wanted for any crimes in his home country and allowed him to reunite with his family upon arrival in Bogotá.
Ochoa's return has reignited demands from victims and advocacy groups for him to provide information about unresolved crimes, including assassinations and bombings linked to the cartel.
During his time in the Medellín Cartel, Ochoa and his brothers were instrumental in smuggling vast amounts of cocaine into the U.S., amassing fortunes that once placed them on Forbes' billionaire list.
Critics argue that Ochoa's release underscores ongoing impunity for crimes committed during Colombia's violent drug wars, with many victims still seeking truth and accountability.