United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TAMPA, Fla. – Oscar Marsiglia Barrios (54, Colombia) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute cocaine knowing and intending it to be imported into the United States (U.S.). Marsiglia Barrios faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to court documents, beginning in approximately February 2015 and continuing through on or about October 26, 2017, Marsiglia Barrios was part of a transnational criminal conspiracy that transported cocaine from Colombia to the United States. Specifically, Marsiglia Barrios operated out of the Puerto Nuevo region of Colombia and was responsible for recruiting, hiring, and paying individuals to transport cocaine out of Colombia and into the U.S. in cargo ships. 

Marsiglia Barrios was arrested in Colombia in August 2019 and extradited to the Middle District of Florida in March 2021.

This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Tampa District Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance with the defendant’s extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided critical assistance by extraditing Marsiglia Barrios from Colombia to the Middle District of Florida.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.  

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

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