The US has now deported notorious Colombian warlord and paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso back to Colombia after he served his 12-year sentence for drug trafficking. He is now in the custody of Colombian authorities, who are investigating him for his alleged war crimes in the country during the 1990s and 2000s.

The Colombian warlord was previously found to be responsible for over 1,500 murders and cases of forced disappearances in Colombia during the 1990s and early 2000s as his paramilitary group clashed with leftist rebels. He was also involved in drug trafficking activities to fund his crusade against the leftists, leading to his imprisonment in the US.

As Mancuso arrived at the El Dorado Airport in Bogota, he was seen wearing a bulletproof vest and helmet. He was then taken into police custody as soon as he arrived, according to The Guardian.

During his time in US prison, Mancuso, who is a dual Colombian-Italian citizen, repeatedly asked to be sent to Italy. These requests were repeatedly denied as he spent 12 years inside a US prison before he was eventually deported back to Colombia.

His deportation back to Colombia and eventual arrest came after the country called on the US to extradite him over fears that he would escape justice. Upon his arrest, it was noted that the jailed Colombian warlord is now cooperating with the investigation against him.

The deportation and eventual arrest of Mancuso also received praise from various human rights groups, including Fernando García, the director of Colombia's national immigration service.

"This event marks an important step towards reconciliation and the construction of a lasting peace in Colombia," Garcia stated.

What Happens to Colombia Warlord Salvatore Mancuso Now After His Arrest?

After being taken into custody once again, Mancuso is expected to remain in prison as the courts have previously found that he is responsible for more than 1,500 acts of murder and disappearances. His next step would be to try to receive a reduced sentence and possibly even get an early release through a transitional justice system created by Colombia's 2016 peace deal.

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According to the Associated Press, many in the country are hoping that he helps shed light on hundreds of murders and forced disappearances carried out by paramilitary fighters. This includes his own United Self Defense Forces of Colombia paramilitary organization.

During previous hearings with Colombian judges via teleconference while inside a US prison, Mancuso has admitted to his dealings with various politicians, as well as the potential involvement of high-ranking politicians in various war crimes.

Warlord Salvatore Mancuso Has Yet To Answer For His Crimes in Colombia

While Mancuso spent 12 years in a US prison, that was for his crimes in the US and relating to his drug trafficking activities. He has never truly been punished for his crimes in Colombia, which was why President Gustavo Petro personally asked the US government to extradite him.

According to NBC News, the president asked that he be extradited after finishing his sentence in the US. After this, he could also become a "peace manager" in the government's negotiations with various armed rebel groups all over the country.

"Mancuso accepted his appointment as peace manager within the National Government's #TotalPeace program, which includes reconciliation with all actors in the conflict, and humanitarian work," Garcia said about Mancuso.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Colombian paramilitary chief Salvatore Mancuso sentenced to jail - TeleSUR English