E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A federal indictment has been issued against two individuals, identified as Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo and Juan Diego Palta Montero, for their alleged involvement in a cocaine-manufacturing operation that exchanged drugs for weapons to support terrorist activities in Colombia. The Justice Department announced the charges, which include conspiracy to engage in narco-terrorism and attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
The accused are reportedly senior members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), a dissident faction known for its violent acts against the Colombian government. The group emerged after rejecting a 2016 peace agreement between FARC and the Colombian government. It is recognized as one of Colombia's most powerful dissident groups, engaging in various criminal activities such as assassinations and extortion.
"Idrobo has appeared in and is the primary speaker in some of these videos," said officials about his role in propaganda efforts. These videos aim to project control over Colombia and recruit young Colombians into their ranks.
From March 2023 to March 2024, Idrobo and Palta allegedly attempted to supply FARC-EP with weapons by trading cocaine manufactured at laboratories they operated. The indictment reveals an attempt to exchange seven kilograms of cocaine for money intended for importation into the United States.
In December 2023, a co-conspirator traveled on behalf of Idrobo to inspect weapons meant for trade with cocaine imports into the U.S. "Following a meeting with a purported weapons supplier," discussions were held on acquiring rocket-propelled grenade launchers aimed at significant targets within Colombia.
Additional charges have been filed against four other Colombian nationals connected with this case. Two have been apprehended by Colombian authorities; one is pending extradition while another has already appeared before a U.S. court.
If found guilty on all counts, those charged face severe penalties including life imprisonment. Investigations are being conducted by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division and Bogotá Country Office with assistance from international counterparts like Colombian National Police.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benedetto L. Balding, Kyle W. Kahan, and Kelly L. Larocque are leading the prosecution under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
