Colombian militia leader’s disappearance sparks mystery

The disappearance of Carlos Castano, Colombia’s most influential paramilitary leader, is believed to have put the outlawed militias even more firmly in the hands of drug traffickers.

Former paramilitary leader Rodrigo Franco, says he believes Castano is dead. "With the death of Carlos, the drug traffickers have won and Colombia has lost the possibility that Castano could have contributed to the demobilisation process," Franco said.

More than a year ago, Castano initiated peace talks with the government. He also publicly condemned militia members who continued to traffic in drugs, and that may have been his undoing.