Foreign narcotics experts said the new campaign appears to have put the Medellin cartel on the defensive for the first time in many months.

The central government and narcotics experts, however, still suspect the region of being involved in the drug trade.

But many narcotics experts fear that without major successes, public support will begin to drift.

"Colombians speak the language, they know the culture, there are historical ties with Spain, many had family here," a foreign narcotics expert said.

"He was mainly involved in transportation, but there were plenty of people ready to take his place," a foreign narcotics expert said.

"The drug bosses now feel relaxed," one foreign narcotics expert said.

"I think the cartel will continue to try to intimidate the Government," said an American narcotics expert here.

The ban was announced last year to skeptical response from narcotics experts.

"I imagine the reason is that there is still so much pure cocaine on the market at a good price," a foreign narcotics expert said.

But for narcotics experts here, the strikes were at best too little too late, or simply good theater.