Two Columbian nationals were extradited to the United States to appear in federal court in Grand Rapids Friday, accused of conspiring to traffic cocaine from Columbia into West Michigan between late 2024 and mid-2025.
Authorities say the men met at a Starbucks in Bogota, Columbia planning a flight of 100 kilos of cocaine into Grand Rapids. Some of the cocaine was distributed in West Michigan.
The remainder was flown to Austria for distribution in Europe.
A paid informant worked with law enforcement and the men were arrested after a joint investigation between international and West Michigan agencies including the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Rapids Police Department and Michigan State Police.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey noted in a press conference Wednesday, “We want to send this message: if you send drugs into our community, we will come for you no matter where you are. I look forward to proving the guilt of these two defendants before a West Michigan jury.”
The men face up to life in prison if convicted.
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