By: Richard L. Smith
Image by: US Department of Justice
An alleged leader of an international cocaine trafficking and money laundering operation has been extradited from Colombia to the United States to face federal charges, including a case pending in New Jersey.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Erick Randhiel Mosquea-Polanco, 45, also known as “Ramon” and “E,” is accused of overseeing a drug trafficking network that moved large quantities of cocaine into New Jersey, New York and other locations.
Federal authorities allege that between January 2020 and September 2023, the Dominican Republic-based organization distributed more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine while laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
During the investigation, authorities said law enforcement seized dozens of kilograms of cocaine along with more than $6 million believed to be connected to the organization.
Mosquea-Polanco was arrested in Colombia in December 2024 at the request of U.S. authorities and was extradited Thursday to Puerto Rico, where he also faces federal charges.
He appeared before a federal magistrate judge and was ordered detained.
Authorities said he is expected to make an initial appearance in New Jersey at a later date.
Mosquea-Polanco faces federal charges involving cocaine distribution, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and money laundering conspiracy.
If convicted on the drug charges, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and potentially up to life imprisonment.
Several other alleged members of the organization have already been convicted as the federal investigation and prosecution continue.
The charges are accusations, and Mosquea-Polanco is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.