Alberto Beltran, the Colombian sports doctor known as the "king of doping", has been arrested in his homeland, police reported on Thursday.
Beltran was wanted in Spain, where he holds joint nationality, for narcotics trafficking and according to Colombia's national police the doctor was the head of a distribution network for high performance athletes - especially cyclists.
>>> Can doping ever be eradicated from cycling?
AFP reports that Beltran worked as a specialist in sports medicine at two hospitals in Paris, and has twice been arrested for possession of doping substances - in Italy in 2001 and in Spain in 2012.
Spanish authorities reportedly issued an alert on Interpol to request Beltran's apprehension in Colombia and will reportedly be handed over in due course.
>>> Debate: What next for anti-doping: evolution or revolution? (video)
AFP also reports that Beltran has previously worked with several cycling teams, including the now defunct Liberty Seguros and Xacobeo, both of who were involved in doping scandals during their time of existence.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
-
-
Jonas Vingegaard to David Gaudu: Eight riders to watch at the Critérium du Dauphiné 2023
Stacked GC field also includes Adam Yates, Richard Carapaz, Mikel Landa and Jai Hindley
-
Lauren De Crescenzo to Laurens ten Dam: Five riders to watch at Unbound Gravel
Who you should look out for at this weekend's gravel extravaganza
-
Convicted EPO doper Jarlinson Pantano returns to cycling with Colombian EPM team
Former Trek-Segafredo and IAM Cycling rider rejoins peloton after his four-year band expires
-
American cyclist Jackson ’Huntley’ Nash handed lifetime ban after doping violations
USADA hand down penalty after multiple offences discovered by investigation
-
Guillaume Martin: The big question is this grey area of ketones
The Frenchman says he is in favour of banning ketones for reasons of fairness
-
Julian Alaphilippe doesn't share Arnaud Démare's concerns over performance products used in the peloton
The Frenchman also says he 'won't be shouting from the rooftops' when he eventually decides to compete for the Tour de France yellow jersey
-
US amateur rider handed four-year doping ban after winning cat three race
The 49-year-old was tested after his win in the Arizona State Championships this summer
-
David Lappartient: Riders are sharing rumours of new doping techniques, they feel there is a gap
"Man is limitless in the imagination to cheat," the UCI President said
-
UK Anti-Doping's case against Richard Freeman paused after doping doctor appeals tribunal verdict
UKAD will resume proceedings against Richard Freeman after his High Court appeal
-
Former Vini Zabù rider banned for three years after testing positive at Giro d’Italia
A former Vini Zabù rider has been banned for three years after testing positive at the Giro d’Italia.
