In a major blow to international drug trafficking, the FBI and Department of Justice (DOJ) extradited seven Colombian cartel leaders to the United States on March 14, 2025.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced the operation, stating that these individuals, who landed in Florida this afternoon, are allegedly responsible for funneling thousands of kilograms of drugs across the U.S. southern border. The suspects, apprehended with the aid of interagency partners, now face prosecution for their roles in flooding American streets with narcotics.

Patel’s statement, posted on X, underscored a zero-tolerance stance: “The message remains: if you harm the American people, this FBI will search every corner of the earth, find you, and bring you to justice.” The operation, executed alongside the Tampa FBI field office and law enforcement allies, reflects a broader crackdown on cartels wreaking havoc on U.S. communities.

While specific identities and charges remain undisclosed, the extradition signals heightened cooperation with Colombian authorities to dismantle drug networks.

The drugs, likely including cocaine and fentanyl, have fueled a public health crisis, with overdose deaths soaring in recent years. Posts on social media praised the move, with users lauding Patel’s resolve and the DOJ’s action as a win for public safety.

The suspects’ arrival in Florida marks the start of a legal battle aimed at holding them accountable for their alleged crimes. Patel thanked the FBITampa, DOJ, and law enforcement partners for their “amazing work,” emphasizing that this operation sends a global warning to traffickers: America’s reach is long, and its justice unrelenting.