SUSPECTED DRUG CARTEL MEMBER ARRESTED

ORLANDO, Fla. -- An alleged member of the Colombian Medellin-based drug
cartel who coordinated the kidnapping of an undercover federal agent
in 2005 has been arrested, federal authorities said Friday.

Byron A. Jimenez Castaneda, 44, was arrested Thursday night.
Authorities alleged in an indictment that he coordinated the
kidnapping of an undercover immigration agent in Colombia for a $2
million ransom.

It was not clear what happened to the agent, and officials with the
Department of Homeland Security, which released information about the
arrest, did not respond to an after-hours phone call from The
Associated Press.

Jimenez Castaneda was also indicted on charges of conspiracy to
possess, distribute and import narcotics into the United States.

If convicted of the narcotics offenses, he faces a minimum sentence of
10 years in prison to the maximum sentence of life in prison as well
as a fine of up to $4 million. He could also get up to life in prison
and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted of taking a hostage.

Jimenez Castaneda was being held at the Orange County jail. Jail
records did not show that he had an attorney.