News Summary
Guillermo Perez-Alzate, a notorious Colombian drug lord and former paramilitary leader, has been arrested in Orlando by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His history of involvement in at least 29 murders emphasizes the severity of his crimes. This arrest is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Perez-Alzate’s capture is expected to have significant implications for ongoing investigations into drug-related violence and illegal immigration.
Orlando, Florida — Guillermo Perez-Alzate, a notorious Colombian drug lord, has been apprehended in Orlando by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency announced the arrest on Thursday, highlighting Perez-Alzate’s status as an “illegal alien” and indicating that justice is being sought for his alleged heinous crimes. He is wanted for involvement in a significant number of murders and other serious offenses.
ICE has labeled Perez-Alzate as a former paramilitary leader of the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, a group largely funded by drug trafficking operations, specifically in the Nariño region of Colombia. He is accused of having a direct role in at least 29 murders, a claim that underscores the severity of his criminal activities.
Though the precise details surrounding the time and location of Perez-Alzate’s arrest were not disclosed, the operation involved collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This coordinated effort reflects the multi-agency strategy employed in combating significant criminal organizations.
Perez-Alzate has faced legal challenges in the U.S. before. He has two prior orders for removal issued by immigration judges, initiated in 2017, which had been deferred until recent times. His legal troubles began after his extradition to the United States in 2008, alongside other members of his paramilitary group.
Upon extradition, Perez-Alzate was sentenced to 17 years in prison for conspiracy to import and traffic cocaine into Florida. During his trial, he admitted to the murders linked to his activities. Despite his original release date being set for 2019 due to time served, he faced additional legal issues while incarcerated.
Notably, just two months after his sentencing in 2009, he faced further charges while at Georgia’s McRae Correctional Institution, being arrested again for conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. Following a period of cooperation with prosecutors, his sentence was reduced by 3½ years based on what was deemed “substantial assistance” in various cases.
By June 2016, Perez-Alzate was no longer in the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. His recent arrest comes after an earlier incident in 2020, when he was detained by Interpol’s Department of Justice Washington due to a warrant issued by a foreign nation, although specific outcomes from that arrest remain unreported.
The implications of Perez-Alzate’s arrest are significant for law enforcement efforts targeting drug trafficking and organized crime. Given his prominent role within the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia and the violent legacy he carries, his apprehension may contribute to dismantling ongoing criminal networks fueled by drug trafficking.
The enforcement actions against individuals such as Perez-Alzate underscore a wider commitment by U.S. authorities to tackle drug-related violence and illegal immigration. As investigations continue, additional information may emerge regarding his connections within broader criminal enterprises and the impact of his activities on both sides of the Colombian-American border.
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Additional Resources
- Orlando Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Drug trafficking
- Al Jazeera
- Google Search: Guillermo Perez-Alzate
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Colombia
- Miami Herald
- Google Scholar: Guillermo Perez-Alzate
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
