A former player who shined in the Copa Libertadores ended up in prison for his links to drug trafficking.
“The Libertadores Cup “It’s my obsession,” sing thousands of football fans and when they manage to fulfill that dream, the players become heroes who remain engraved in the history of the club. However, not all manage to maintain that prestige. Some, like John Eduis Viafara Minethey end up overshadowing their lives with illegal activities.
Viáfara Mina, who was once champion of America against Boca Juniors and played in Europe, is a clear example of how a promising career can quickly fall apart. After being linked to drug trafficking and the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, his destiny changed drastically, leading him to serve an 11-year prison sentence in the United States.
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The story of Jhon Eduis Viáfara Mina, the footballer who ended up in prison for drug trafficking
The former Colombian midfielder was a respected and admired player, valued for his participation in the Copa Libertadores with the Once Caldaswhere he was a key piece in winning the title in 2004. In addition, the Makelele, As he was known on the field, he wore the shirt of several important clubs such as: Real Sociedad, América de Cali, Equidad, Junior, Deportivo Cali and the Colombian national team itself. However, after retiring from football, his life took a dark turn when he became involved in drug traffic.
US authorities convicted him in 2020 for collaborating with the Gulf Clan and the Sinaloa Cartel in the logistics of shipping large shipments of cocaine to the United States. Viáfara coordinated the drug route from Colombia, using boats and planes to transport the narcotics through Central America and Mexico. Despite his fame and fortune, the former footballer chose a path that led him to lose everything, proving that sometimes success in sport does not guarantee a life free of bad decisions.
Source: Ambito
