Slovak National Extradited from Colombia to Face Drug Charges
Michal Píš, a wanted Slovak national, has been captured and extradited from Colombia to Slovakia to face charges of drug trafficking. It marks the first extradition from Colombia to Slovakia.
Jordan Taylor
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 11:36 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - Slovak authorities have successfully extradited 28-year-old Michal Píš from Cartagena, Colombia, under an international arrest warrant. Píš, who was arrested by Colombian police on March 12th, is charged with significant involvement in drug trafficking and has been previously convicted for similar offences. His extradition is a landmark event, being the first of its kind between Colombia and Slovakia. Following his arrival, Píš stood before a judge in Trenčín, Slovakia, who ordered his detention pending trial.
Operation and Allegations
His arrest in the luxury district of Manga in Cartagena materialized on a Sunday afternoon in March with a judicial order and was the result of close collaboration between Slovakia's NCODK targeted search department and international police cooperation efforts. Píš is accused of spearheading a large-scale drug operation as part of an organized group active over several years, involving the illegal production, possession, and sale of narcotics and other controlled substances. The group, known locally as "Parketári," has been connected to various drug-related crimes, reportedly trading primarily in methamphetamine, with monthly turnovers estimated at 170,000 euros. Dutch investigators have insinuated the organization's involvement in several murders.
Extensive Criminal Network
Before his capture, Píš had been living in Cartagena, attempting to relocate to another country, which raised alarms with international law enforcement. He was listed among the 50 most wanted criminals globally, with four European countries issuing a red notice through Interpol for his arrest. According to recent reports, Píš is considered the principal organizer of the "Parketári" drug group, with significant operations within the Bratislava, Trenčín, and Žilina regions of Slovakia and the Czech Republic. While the majority of the group's members are either indicted or convicted, the leadership had not appeared in court until Píš's extradition.
Michal Píš potentially faces a sentence of 15 to 20 years in prison if convicted on the current charges. The case against him and the “Parketári” group remains significant as it illuminates the ongoing challenges associated with international drug trafficking and the collaborative efforts required for effective law enforcement across borders.