‘The Spider’ Extradited to U.S. From Colombia to Face Drug Trafficking and Narco-Terrorism Charges

America September 28, 2026 5 mins read

‘The Spider’ Extradited to U.S. From Colombia to Face Drug Trafficking and Narco-Terrorism Charges

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Geovany Andres Rojas, known by the alias “Araña,” or “the Spider,” has been extradited from Colombia to the United States to face federal charges alleging international cocaine trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Rojas, a Colombian national, was transferred to U.S. custody on Sept. 25 and arrived in San Diego, where he was taken into custody by federal law enforcement agents. The U.S. Department of Justice said Rojas is alleged to have been a high-level leader of Comandos de la Frontera, an armed organization operating in southwestern Colombia.

According to federal prosecutors, Rojas faces charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and narco-terrorism. The indictment alleges that the organization under his leadership profited from cocaine production and maintained territorial control through weapons and violence.

Federal Agents Take Rojas Into Custody

The Justice Department released a photograph showing Rojas surrounded by U.S. and Colombian law enforcement officials following his extradition.

Federal authorities said Rojas was handed over at a Colombian National Police air base in Bogotá before being transported to the United States. He arrived in San Diego at approximately 4:30 p.m. Pacific time, accompanied by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI.

The U.S. Department of Justice released the photograph and details of the extradition, including information about the federal charges against Rojas.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said the extradition was the result of cooperation between U.S. and Colombian authorities.

“Colombia and the Department of Justice are making a clean sweep of narcoterrorists, starting with Araña,” Gordon said in the Justice Department statement.

Rojas Faces Cocaine and Narco-Terrorism Charges

A federal grand jury in the Southern District of California returned a two-count superseding indictment against Rojas on March 7, 2025.

The indictment charges him with international conspiracy to distribute cocaine and narco-terrorism. The cocaine conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted. The narco-terrorism charge carries a mandatory minimum of 20 years and a maximum of life in prison.

The allegations stem from a long-running Homeland Security Task Force investigation. Federal prosecutors allege that Comandos de la Frontera controlled cocaine cultivation and production in southwestern Colombia and used armed force to maintain control of territory.

Rojas is 45, according to the Justice Department.

It is important to note that the charges remain allegations. The Justice Department states that an indictment contains accusations and that Rojas is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court.

Extradition Was Delayed During Peace Talks

Rojas' extradition followed a lengthy legal and political process in Colombia.

Colombian authorities arrested him in Bogotá on Feb. 12, 2025, pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice related to narcotics offenses. Colombia's Supreme Court unanimously approved his extradition in October 2025.

Former Colombian President Gustavo Petro subsequently suspended the extradition while Rojas participated in peace talks involving armed groups and the Colombian government.

On Aug. 26, 2026, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered that the extradition proceed.

The transfer reflects a change in Colombia's approach to Rojas and comes as authorities continue confronting armed groups involved in drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

Comandos de la Frontera and Colombia’s Drug Trade

Federal prosecutors say Rojas served as a spokesman and leader of Comandos de la Frontera, an organization with an estimated 1,000 members operating in southwestern Colombia.

The Justice Department says Rojas publicly identified himself as a senior leader of the organization and appeared in photographs and interviews alongside armed members.

According to prosecutors, Rojas was previously a member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, and signed the country's 2016 peace agreement before later returning to armed activity. The Justice Department says Comandos de la Frontera was associated with the Segunda Marquetalia, an organization formed by former FARC members who returned to armed conflict after the peace accord.

The United States designated Segunda Marquetalia as a foreign terrorist organization in December 2021, according to the Justice Department.

Initial Court Appearance Set for Sept. 28

Rojas is scheduled to make his initial appearance in federal court in San Diego at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve B. Chu.

The case is being investigated and prosecuted by the California Homeland Security Task Force, with the DEA and FBI among the participating agencies. The U.S. Marshals Service also assisted with the transfer of custody.

The extradition puts Rojas in U.S. custody as federal prosecutors pursue a case alleging that his organization played a role in the international cocaine trade.

Jackie Allen

Jackie is a freelance journalist and technology geek. She worked as a telecom project director for AT&T and BellSouth. Before joining the USA Herald she has written books, articles, blogs and whitepapers. Her clients include Samsung and other technology companies.