Medellín Welcomes Back Colombia This Monday: What We Know So Far”>Fabio Ochoa after Decades in U.S. Prison; Spotted Horseback Riding
Fabio Ochoa Vásquez, a legendary figure from Medellín’s past, has returned to Colombia after serving time for narcotrafficking in a U.S. prison. He was immediately reunited with his family in the city known as the "City of Eternal Spring."
Since his deportation on December 23, 2022, little was known about Ochoa’s life in Medellín until recent images surfaced, showing him on horseback. The images, shared on the social media platforms of Club Hípico El Rancho, depict Ochoa riding one of their champion horses, Galán del Rancho F.C.
"Legendary horseman Fabio said hello to the legendarily tricampeón mundial Galán del Rancho F.C., Galata’s daughter, and he even rode the horse that his father, Fabio Ochoa Restrepo, bred decades ago," the club’s message read alongside the photo.
Ochoa’s horseback riding appearance has sparked mixed reactions among locals, although the Ochoa family’s affinity for horses is well-documented. Many considered his return to horses in Medellín unsurprising.
Ochoa, now 67, can enjoy his freedom without worries, as he has no pending legal issues with Colombian justice. Despite initially wanting to keep a low profile, images of him horseback riding have recently surfaced.
The former narcotrafficker’s return to Colombia on December 23, 2022, was closely scrutinized by authorities. He arrived in Bogotá on a U.S. government plane, accompanied by agents. After his registration by Colombian immigration officials, there were no indications of any outstanding legal issues that could lead to his detention.
Ochoa’s return was preceded by a series of events: he served his sentence for human trafficking, conspiracy, and cocaine distribution, was then transferred to a lower-security prison. Reports suggested he might not leave U.S. prisons due to another ongoing process abroad. However, his deportation was eventually approved.
Colombian police chief General William René Salamanca stated that the police and the Fiscalía would hold a meeting with U.S. delegates to discuss Ochoa’s legal status. This iconic figure, arrested in the infamous Operation Millennium in 1999 and extradited to the U.S. in 2001, will continue to be closely monitored by Colombian authorities.
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