Dutch drug trafficking fugitive arrested in Colombia

A Dutch man who has been convicted of drug trafficking in the Netherlands has been arrested in Colombia. Michael de H. fled the country shortly before he could be convicted for the crime. The report by AD and Colombian media outlets has been confirmed by the Public Prosecution Service (OM).

The 41-year-old still has to serve 42 months in prison in the Netherlands. He was convicted to 3.5 years in prison in May 2024 for playing a part in several drug trafficking deals between Colombian suppliers and European buyers between 2021 and 2022. Colombian police reported that he was involved in trafficking over 100 kilos of cocaine into the Netherlands.

Authorities claim that De H. was inspired by Pablo Escobar, the leader of the Medellin cartel, who became famous before being fatally shot by police in 1993. Colombian police shared several images of the suspect posing with photos and statues of his idol.

De H. allegedly used encrypted communication networks to avoid police and customs. Sources within the international authorities said it was an “advanced and professional network.”

According to the AD, the suspect stayed in a rich neighborhood in the popular tourist city of Cartagena. He used documents and identities that did not arouse suspicion. Colombian police have said that the suspect did not resist during the arrest.

The FAST team, a collaboration between the police and the OM that tracks down fugitives, was looking for De H. since February. He was arrested on Friday in Colombia with the help of the Colombian police and the Colombian Public Prosecution Service.

De H. is currently imprisoned at a heavily guarded prison in Colombia. The OM is expecting the extradition of the suspect to the Netherlands to happen soon. The Netherlands and Colombia reached an agreement regarding the extradition of criminals in 2023.