FBI GATHERS EVIDENCE FOR REBEL EXTRADICTIONS

BOGOTA -- FBI agents have been in Colombia gathering evidence to be used in
requesting the extradition of a number of leftist guerrillas wanted in the
United States for drug trafficking and other crimes, the daily El Tiempo
reported Sunday.

Over the past 18 months, the agents have traveled to the country's main
drug production centers and convinced various rebels and drug traffickers
to testify against Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) commanders
Jorge Briceno, Ivan Marquez and Fabian Ramirez, the daily said, citing U.S.
and Colombian intelligence sources.

"With this testimony, as well as proof of the alleged involvement of FARC
leaders in drug trafficking and other crimes and evidence provided by the
Colombian and Mexican governments, the U.S. justice system is preparing to
use the weapon most feared by drug trafficker: extradition,'' the daily said.