GREEN LIGHT FOR EXTRADITION

BOGOTA, Colombia -- Supreme Court judges cleared the way Tuesday for
the extradition of the first Colombian to the United States in nearly
10 years.

In a unanimous decision, nine Supreme Court magistrates approved a
U.S. request to extradite Jaime Orlando Lara, who is accused of
shipping heroin to U.S. cities.

If the government of President Andres Pastrana approves the U.S.
extradition request, Lara will become the first Colombian extradited
since 1990. Few analysts or observers believe that Pastrana will
oppose the Supreme Court's decision.

Police say Lara headed a heroin distribution ring with outlets in
Houston, Miami and New York. He was indicted in New York in October.