Federal authorities say the suspects belonged to a network that helped the North Valley cartel collect proceeds from cocaine shipped to Puerto Rico and the continental U.S.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement say 21 suspects were arrested in recent days in Colombia, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, New York, Miami and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They describe one of the Colombian suspects as the network's "main money broker."

U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodriguez announced the charges Friday. She said suspects arrested off the island will be extradited to Puerto Rico.