Alleged Colombian Drug Kingpin 'Spider' Extradited to California for Trial

Geovany Andres Rojas, 45, known as “Spider” and accused of leading a 1,000-member drug army, has been extradited from Colombia to San Diego to face federal charges. Rojas arrived in US custody on Thursday, where he will face potential life imprisonment for his alleged crimes.

US Attorney Adam Gordon stated that Rojas led Comandos de la Frontera, a heavily armed paramilitary organization operating in southwestern Colombia. The group is accused of generating revenue through cocaine cultivation and production, utilizing violence to control territory in a major cocaine-producing region. "Their cocaine fueled the Mexican cartels pumping poison into our communities," Gordon said.

Rojas, a former FARC fighter who had previously signed a peace deal in 2016, was arrested in Colombia in February 2025 on an Interpol warrant. His extradition was approved but delayed while he participated in peace talks. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella ordered his extradition to the United States on August 26.

Rojas faces charges of international conspiracy to distribute cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, and narco-terrorism, carrying at least 20 years and up to life.

He is scheduled to appear before US Magistrate Judge Steve B. Chu on September 28 at 2 p.m. Local authorities, including DEA and FBI agents, were involved in his transfer to San Diego. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella was present during the handoff at a Colombian National Police air base in Bogota.