BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia arrested a suspected British drug trafficker they described as “invisible” due to his low-key lifestyle that allowed him to remain anonymous while operating as a cartel’s coordinator of cocaine trafficking from the South American country to the United Kingdom, authorities said Friday.
Christopher Neil was arrested Thursday in the northwestern city of Medellin in an operation by local law enforcement and Interpol. They accused Neil of working for Colombia’s Clan del Golfo cartel.
Colombian authorities have coined the term “invisible drug traffickers” to describe those who operate discreetly, maintaining ordinary, low-profile lives that contrast with the eccentricity of the country’s drug lords in the 1980s and 1990s.
Colombia’s National Police said Neil had lived in Colombia since December 2018. The agency said he is wanted in the United Kingdom, where he faces trafficking and money laundering accusations.
Police said they followed a car that moved through Medellin before arresting Neil. They said a multi-million-dollar transaction between the United Kingdom and Colombia played a key role in catching the suspect.
It was not immediately clear Friday if Neil had an attorney who could comment on his behalf.
Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
This photo released by Colombia's National Police press office shows who they identify as British citizen Christopher Neil, known by the alias "Dips," center, as he is shown to the press in Medellin, Colombia, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. Colombia has captured the suspected British drug trafficker who allegedly became the Colombian Clan del Golfo cartel's coordinator for trafficking cocaine to the United Kingdom, according to police. (Colombian National Police Press Office via AP)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Less than 10 minutes was all it took for a large pile of toys donated by the White House staff to disappear as Jill Biden and children from military families sorted them into boxes as part of the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign for the less fortunate.
The White House is a longtime supporter of the program, which has been helping families for 77 years, said Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson IV, commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
“We're making a significant impact right here in the nation's capital, where these toys will go to kids in need,” he said at a White House event hosted by the first lady.
Last year, the program delivered over 25 million toys to more than 10 million children nationwide, he said. “This year we think we're going to set another record, so we're really excited,” he said.
Jill Biden told several dozen military children who sat in front of her on the floor of the East Room facing two large glittering Christmas trees flanking the doorway that they are loved. Her father and late son served in the military.
“If you only remember one thing for the holidays, after all the wrapping paper is cleaned up, let it be this: You are loved,” she said. “There are so many people who care about you, from your family and your friends, from your teachers and your classmates, to the president and me.”
“And the best thing that we can do with that love is to let it overflow, to share it with others who might really need it,” she added.
After her brief remarks, the first lady asked the children: “Are you guys ready to get sorting?” And off they went toward the large pile of dolls, stuffed animals, sports gear, vehicles, books, puzzles and other items, including a copy of “Delaware Opoly” — a Monopoly-style board game themed after President Joe Biden's home state.
First lady Jill Biden sorts toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden speaks as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. At right is Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden laughs during a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, speaks as first lady Jill Biden listens during a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Children of Marine Corps families sort toys during a Toys for Tots event with first lady Jill Biden in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden sorts toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden speaks as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden speaks as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. At right is Lt. Gen. Leonard Anderson, Commander of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden sorts toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden sorts toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden sorts toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden arrives with children of Marine Corps families as she hosts a Toys for Tots event in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
First lady Jill Biden helps to sort toys as she hosts a Toys for Tots event with Marine Corps families in the East Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
