Colombian Medellin-based drug cartel member arrested on kidnapping of ICE agent and narcotics distribution

ICE and FBI join forces to target "narco trial" judge in ICE agent kidnapping

WASHINGTON D.C. - Late last night, ICE and FBI agents executed a warrant to arrest Byron A. Jimenez Castaneda, 44, a citizen of Colombia, in Orlando, Florida for conspiracy to possess, distribute and import narcotics into the United States. In the 15-count indictment, Jimenez Castaneda is alleged to have coordinated the kidnapping of an undercover ICE agent in Medellin, Colombia, on December 13, 2005. Jimenez Castaneda acted as "judge" in a "narco trial" to determine the undercover ICE agent's responsibility for the cartel's loss of cocaine and currency to law enforcement. The indictment also alleges that a ransom of $2,000,000 was requested for the release of the undercover ICE agent.

Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement Julie L. Myers and United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez announced the arrest today for violations to Title 21, United States Code (USC), Sections 841 and 846; Title 18, USC Sections 952 and 963, and Title 18, USC, Section 1203.

The arrest of Jimenez Castaneda comes following a two year ICE investigation that has resulted in the arrest of 23 cartel associates and the seizure of more than 1,900 kilograms of cocaine, numerous foreign and domestic bank accounts, more than 3 million dollars in U.S. currency and six vessels.

"This case demonstrates how ruthless this Medellin-based cartel is," said Assistant Secretary Julie L. Myers. "Arresting Jimenez Castaneda on kidnapping and drug charges brings us one step closer to justice and strikes a severe blow to their criminal organization.