Pubdate: Wed, 07 Nov 2001 Source: Associated Press (Wire) Copyright: 2001 Associated Press Author: Andrew Selsky COLOMBIA POLICE: DRUG RING BROKEN BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) - Colombia's secret police said Wednesday it broke up a cocaine- and weapons-smuggling ring linked to right-wing paramilitaries, but had not arrested any member of the outlawed militia group. The announcement coincided with the departure of President Andres Pastrana for Washington, where he faces criticism that his government is not doing enough to combat the paramilitary force. Col. German Jaramillo, director of the secret police, told reporters that 14 people were arrested, including Luis Alberto Castillo, a former mayor of San Bernardo village, located on an island in the Caribbean off Colombia's northwest coast. None of the 14 belonged to the United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia, Jaramillo said, but he insisted the ring had ``tight links'' with the paramilitary group, which has been waging war against leftist rebels. Jaramillo said the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration provided technical assistance in the operation. He claimed the ring smuggled cocaine to Central America in boats and returned with rifles for the paramilitary group. No DEA officials were present at the news conference. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was not aware of the operation. Colombia is the world's main supplier of cocaine, exporting an estimated 500 tons a year. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh