FBIS3-22039 "jptdd013__l94042"
JPRS-tdd-94-013-L Document Type:JPRS Document Title:Narcotics 16 March 1994
LATIN AMERICA COLOMBIA

Drug Trafficker Urdinola Confesses to Five Crimes

PA2003002994 Santa Fe de Bogota EL TIEMPO in Spanish 16 Mar 94 PA2003002994 Santa Fe de Bogota EL TIEMPO Language: Spanish Article Type:BFN [Text] Cali Cartel drug trafficker Julio Fabio Urdinola has confessed to five crimes at the Prosecutor General's Office. Deputy Prosecutor Francisco Sintura provided EL TIEMPO with this information, saying it was evidence that drug traffickers in this area of the country want to cooperate with the law. Urdinola, who surrendered to authorities on 12 March, confessed to drug trafficking, conspiracy, illegal possession of weapons, illegal enrichment, and use of false documents. In his confession, Urdinola asserted that he had introduced more than a ton of cocaine into the United States. Urdinola, who is currently under arrest at Palmira Jail, confessed to a faceless prosecutor in Cali that he was part of a powerful drug trafficking organization in Valle del Cauca. Urdinola also admitted that some of his properties were obtained through the illegal drug trade. Sintura told EL TIEMPO that Urdinola initially expressed his interest in surrendering and receiving the benefits the law provides on 12 March. In announcing his desire to surrender, Urdinola expressed his willingness to provide authorities with a written confession of the crimes for which he is surrendering. After Urdinola appeared before the judicial authorities, the prosecutor's office ordered a medical examination to determine his state of health at the time he entered Palmira Jail. Urdinola was also fingerprinted to confirm his identity. Urdinola and his assistant, Ancizar Porras, will remain in custody at the Palmira Jail infirmary while the Justice Ministry completes its work at the installations where surrendering drug traffickers will be confined. In contrast with the opinion expressed by Attorney General Gustavo Arrieta Padilla, Sintura said that Urdinola is a top leader in the cartel of northern Valle del Cauca, so his surrender is a very important achievement for the administration of justice. Urdinola expanded his confession to the Prosecutor's Office during an interrogation on the afternoon of 14 March.