Pubdate: Mon, 31 Dec 2007 Source: Palm Beach Post, The (FL) Copyright: 2007 The Palm Beach Post Contact: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/333 Note: Does not publish letters from writers outside area 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake