Posted on: November 21, 2024 04:45 PM

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Colombian drug kingpin known as Don T sentenced to 20 years in prison for international cocaine distribution conspiracy

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Tito Aldemar Ruano Yandun, also known as “Don T,” “Don Ti,” “Don Tito,” “Pedro Linares,” “Pedro AK2,” “Santos,” “Don Tuma,” “Viejo” and “Viejo Loco,” was sentenced by United States District Court Judge William F. Kuntz, II to 20 years in prison for leading an international cocaine distribution conspiracy.

“Today’s sentence significantly punishes the defendant for leading a prolific drug trafficking organization that exported thousands of kilograms of cocaine destined for our streets,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “International drug kingpins must face American justice for the misery they have caused in our district and country.”

Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the DEA’s office in Bogota, Colombia, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Colombian National Police and the Government of Colombia.

As detailed in court documents, the defendant led a sophisticated drug trafficking organization that operated in southwestern Colombia and Ecuador. His organization regularly exported multi-ton quantities of cocaine to Central America and Mexico so that it could eventually be smuggled into the United States.  The defendant’s drug trafficking organization trafficked cocaine on behalf of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (i.e., the FARC), helping to fund the FARC’s long-running campaign to overthrow the Government of Colombia.

During the investigation, foreign and U.S. authorities seized thousands of kilograms of cocaine that were being transported by members of the defendant’s organization.          

From DOJ