Colombia signs law paving way for drug gangs surrender

Colombia’s President Juan Manuel Santos speaks next to Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon (left).  AP Photo

BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has signed a law that could pave the way for the country’s biggest drug gangs to surrender.

The measure signed Monday reduces prison sentences by as much as 50 percent for members of a criminal group that collectively turn themselves in.

Santos said he has received assurances that the Gulf clan will soon adhere to the new law. The much-feared group is comprised of former right-wing paramilitary fighters that have terrorized much of northern Colombia to gain control of major cocaine smuggling routes through thick jungles north to Central America and on to the United States.

The group’s leader appeared in a video last year expressing a willingness to surrender with his men.   /kga