A Colombian drug lord, accused of heading a paramilitary group of around 1,000 members, has been extradited to California to confront federal charges that could lead to a life sentence.
Geovany Andres Rojas, 45, who is referred to as “Spider,” was brought to the U.S. from Colombia on Thursday and has been placed in federal custody.
He touched down at an undisclosed site in San Diego at about 4:30 p.m., escorted by agents from the DEA and FBI.
Prior to his extradition, Rojas was handed over to U.S. officials at a heavily guarded air base of the Colombian National Police in Bogota, with Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella present for the transfer.
“Colombia and the Department of Justice are cleaning house when it comes to narcoterrorism, starting with Araña,” U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon remarked.
Federal officials have charged Rojas with leading Comandos de la Frontera, a well-armed paramilitary group active in southwestern Colombia. This organization allegedly derives income from cocaine production and maintains control over its territory through violence and firearms.
Accusations suggest that Rojas flaunted his power and opulence on social media, sharing images with weaponry and armed associates.
“Their cocaine fed the Mexican cartels that poison our communities,” Gordon added, emphasizing the group’s impact.
Rojas has a history with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), previously signing a peace agreement in 2016 before reverting back to armed conflict.
He was arrested in Colombia back in February 2025 on an Interpol notice for drug-related crimes. Although his extradition was initially approved, it was delayed as he participated in peace negotiations.
On August 26, President Abelardo de la Espriella mandated his extradition to the U.S.
Facing charges of international conspiracy to distribute cocaine and narco-terrorism, Rojas could receive serious penalties. The conspiracy charge includes a mandatory minimum of 10 years, but could stretch to life in prison, while the narco-terrorism charge carries a sentence of at least 20 years, possibly up to life as well.
Rojas is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve B. Chu on September 28 at 2 p.m.
