According to the Colombian Administrative Security Department, at the time of his arrest Abello was the seventh-ranking man in the Medellín cartel hierarchy. On October 16, 1989, he was transferred into the custody of U.S.
As reported by the Colombian Administrative Security Department, when Abello was detained, he held a significant position within the Medellín cartel's organizational structure. Subsequently, on October 16, 1989, he was taken into custody by U.S.