Colombian security forces arrested the alleged boss of the Norte del Valle drug cartel, Diego Montoya, after a long manhunt, officials informed Monday.

Montoya, who is also known as “Don Diego,” is one of the persons present on the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, the United States offering three years ago a reward of 5 million for any information that would lead to his arrest.

”It is a great blow that speaks of our commitment in the fight against drug trafficking,” Columbia’s Vice President Francisco Santos said.

Montoya, 49, is wanted in the US for drug trafficking, money laundering and racketeering, Washington officials already requesting his extradition.

The North of the Valley cartel has been labeled by the FBI as the “the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organization in Colombia.” Montoya is believed to be one of the funding members of the cartel, which succeeds the Medellin and Cali cartels in the illegal drugs trade leadership.

The North Valley Cartel emerged in the late 1990s after the the Medellin and Cali cartels fragmented.

According to the country’s Interior and Justice Minister Carlos Holguín Sardi, the alleged drug lord was detained the western province of Valle del Cauca province, near Zarzal, a town located in the northern region of the province.

Media reports said approximately 30 officers of the elite troops and agents from the secret service were engaged in the operation that led to the capture of Montoya. A surveillance operation was initiated three months ago in the region, members form US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also participating.