Colombia: Information on the activities of the Colombian Air Force (FAC), including its drug trafficking department, and on whether the FAC was involved in human rights abuses, 1980 to 1990
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 September 1997 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | COL27730.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Colombia: Information on the activities of the Colombian Air Force (FAC), including its drug trafficking department, and on whether the FAC was involved in human rights abuses, 1980 to 1990, 1 September 1997, COL27730.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6aabc8c.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Three reports state that the Colombian Air Force (FAC) was given orders to intercept any aircraft suspect of carrying narcotics for drug trafficking purposes (Cadena 225 Oct. 1990; St. Louis Post-Dispatch 17 Sept. 1989; Xinhua 16 Sept. 1989).
The attached 16 November 1982 UPI report states that a FAC aircraft transported monies generated by drugs to a Panamanian company involved in a money laundering operation. The attached 30 August 1989 San Diego Union-Tribune article states that a former Colombian drug trafficker testified to an attorney-general in California that traffickers were protected by the Colombian army, air force and navy.
Information on whether the FAC has committed human rights abuses between 1980 and 1990 could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.
References
Cadena 2 [Bogota, in Spanish]. 25 October 1990. "Air Force Downs Plane Linked to Drug Trafficking." (FBIS-LAT-90-208 26 Oct. 1990, p. 47)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 17 September 1989. Late 5-Star Edition. "9 More Killed in Columbia." (NEXIS)
The San Diego Union-Tribune. 30 August 1989. "Cocaine's Rise in State Stirs New Strategy." (NEXIS)
The United Press International (UPI). 16 November 1982. AM Cycle. "A Long Island Man Was Arrested Tuesday..." (NEXIS)
The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 16 September 1989. "Colombian Air Force Ordered to Thoroughly Check Air Space." (NEXIS)
Attachments
Cadena 2 [Bogota, in Spanish]. 25 October 1990. "Air Force Downs Plane Linked to Drug Trafficking." (FBIS-LAT-90-208 26 Oct. 1990, p. 47)
St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 17 September 1989. Late 5-Star Edition. "9 More Killed in Columbia." (NEXIS)
The San Diego Union-Tribune. 30 August 1989. "Cocaine's Rise in State Stirs New Strategy." (NEXIS)
The United Press International (UPI). 16 November 1982. AM Cycle. "A Long Island Man Was Arrested Tuesday..." (NEXIS)
The Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 16 September 1989. "Colombian Air Force Ordered to Thoroughly Check Air Space." (NEXIS)
Additional Sources Consulted
Amnesty International Report. 1981-1991.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. 1982-1996.
Drug Trafficking Update [Lima]. 1990-1995.
Journal of Interamerican Studies & World Affairs [Miami]. 1993-1997.
Latinamerica Press [Lima]. 1989-1997.
Latin American Weekly Report [London]. 1989-1997.
Three sources consulted did not provide information on the above-mentioned subject.
Electronic sources: DIRB Databases, Global News Bank, Internet, REFWORLD (UNHCR database).
