LOS ANGELES — A Colombian drug trafficker with ties to a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization pleaded guilty to federal narcotics and firearms charges involving nearly 62 pounds of cocaine destined for the United States and a scheme to exchange drugs for military-grade weapons.
Jorge Eliécer Luque Monsalve, 54, also known as “Jorge Col,” of Santander, Colombia, pleaded guilty to four federal charges involving cocaine trafficking, firearms and destructive devices.
The charges include conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States, conspiracy to possess firearms and destructive devices in furtherance of drug trafficking, distribution of cocaine for unlawful importation and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Luque has remained in federal custody since Feb. 5, 2026, following his extradition from Colombia to the United States.
According to his plea agreement, Luque participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy from March 2023 to March 2024 involving approximately 28 kilograms, or 61.7 pounds, of cocaine intended for distribution in the United States.
QUICK FACT CHECKLIST
- ✓ Defendant: Jorge Eliécer Luque Monsalve, 54
- ✓ Alias: Jorge Col
- ✓ Hometown: Santander, Colombia
- ✓ Court: U.S. District Court, Los Angeles
- ✓ Charges: Four federal narcotics and firearms offenses
- ✓ Cocaine involved: 28 kilograms (61.7 pounds)
- ✓ Conspiracy period: March 2023-March 2024
- ✓ Weapons: AK-47s, machine guns and grenade launchers
- ✓ Terrorist organization: FARC-EP
- ✓ Extradition: Colombia to United States, February 2026
- ✓ Minimum sentence: 15 years
- ✓ Maximum sentence: Life imprisonment
- ✓ Sentencing date: Feb. 1, 2027
- ✓ Presiding judge: Mark C. Scarsi
- ✓ Other defendants: Idrobo Arredondo and Palta Montero
Cocaine Deals and Payments
In May 2023, Luque met with individuals in Colombia whom he believed were cocaine buyers. During the meeting, he agreed to supply approximately 7 kilograms, or 15.4 pounds, of cocaine, knowing the drugs would be imported into and distributed throughout the United States.
Luque also invested his own money in 0.5 kilograms, or approximately 1.1 pounds, of cocaine, expecting to receive a share of the profits.
Three days after the meeting, Luque delivered approximately 7 kilograms of cocaine to the buyers in exchange for Colombian pesos worth approximately $10,715.
In July 2023, Luque met with the buyers at a Colombian shopping mall and accepted approximately $4,500 in Colombian pesos as payment for his investment.
Cocaine-for-Weapons Conspiracy
In November 2023, Luque and a co-conspirator participated in a meeting on behalf of a leader and member of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army, known as FARC-EP.
The meeting centered on a proposed exchange of cocaine for firearms.
The following month, Luque arranged to acquire AK-47 rifles, ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, machine guns and additional ammunition in exchange for approximately 21 kilograms, or 46.3 pounds, of cocaine.
The cocaine was subsequently delivered to a buyer.
In January 2024, Luque accepted approximately $8,000 in Colombian pesos from buyers as payment for another investment in the cocaine distribution operation.
FARC-EP’s Terrorist Activities
FARC-EP is a dissident faction of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia that emerged after rejecting a 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian government and the original FARC organization.
The United States has designated FARC-EP a foreign terrorist organization.
The armed group has been linked to assassinations, extortion, hostage-taking and attacks against Colombian government and military targets.
Its operations have also targeted civilian populations, critical infrastructure and U.S. military personnel in Colombia.
FARC-EP members have used firearms, machine guns, land mines and explosives in their operations.
The organization has distributed propaganda videos intended to intimidate rivals, recruit young Colombians and demonstrate its territorial control.
FARC-EP commander Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, also known as “Marlon Vásquez,” has appeared as a principal speaker in some of those videos.
According to federal prosecutors, FARC-EP controls territory responsible for producing approximately 70% of Colombia’s cocaine.
Prosecutors also describe connections between FARC-EP and Mexican criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Nueva Familia Michoacana.
Sentencing and Co-Defendants
U.S. District Judge Mark C. Scarsi scheduled Luque’s sentencing for Feb. 1, 2027.
Luque faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum of life imprisonment.
Two other defendants remain charged in the case: FARC-EP commander Iván Jacobo Idrobo Arredondo, 41, and his associate Juan Diego Palta Montero, 25, also known as “Ñeque.”
Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Another co-defendant, Rubén Darío García Londoño, 43, also known as “Bencho,” is serving a five-year federal prison sentence after pleading guilty to federal charges in November 2025.