- Victor Patiño-Fomeque
Victor Julio Patiño-Fomeque aka El Quimico (the Chemist) is a
Colombia n narcotrafficker member of theCali Cartel and currently serving time in a prison of theUnited States . Patino-Fomeque, was responsible for ensuring the security and effectiveness of the Cali Cartel's maritime operations of drug shipments. He surrendered to Colombian authorities on June 24, 1995 and was sentenced to 12 years in prison. [ [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/major/cali.htm USDOJ - Drug Enforcement Administration; Victor Patino Fomeque] ]Patiño was once a
Colombia n policeman and was recruited later by Gilberto andMiguel Rodriguez Orejuela , leaders of theCali Cartel to be their bodyguard. [ [http://www.offnews.info/verArticulo.php?contenidoID=697 es icon offnews.info - Colombian drugdealer Victor Patino-Fomeque leads through the internet and from a prison in the United States a bloody war against the powerful Norte del Valle Cartel] ]On October 7, 2005 Patino and his mother testified in the United States and accused a prominent Colombian politician named
Vicente Blel of being one of his major nominees. According to Patino, Blel met him under a fake name, Julio Gómez to disguise his relation to the Cali Cartel and also said that he was a businessman from Cali willing to collaborate in the presidential campaign ofErnesto Samper . Patino was also personally introduced toHoracio Serpa , Samper's chief of debate back then. Blel responded that he indeed had met with Patino thinking it was in fact Gomez, the businessman, and had collaborated with him several times, even helping him to put properties under his name and with numerous other favors. Patino and other members of the Cali Cartel used corruption as a way to protect their drug business. [ [http://www.semana.com/wf_InfoArticulo.aspx?idArt=88479 es icon Revista Semana: ...And he Sang!] ]However, since he decided to testify in the U.S., he saw at least 35 family members and friends slaughtered in retaliation for his betrayal. [ [http://www.wtop.com/?nid=105&pid=0&sid=1243823&page=2 es icon Colombia Grabs Alleged Cocaine Kingpin] ]
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