FORMER Southampton and Portsmouth midfielder Jhon Viafara has been arrested over smuggling four tonnes of cocaine into America.

The 40-year-old was arrested in the Colombian city of Cali after a joint operation by local authorities and the American Drug Enforcement Administration.

1 Former Southampton midfielder Jhon Viafara has been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking Credit: PA:Empics Sport

#LaFoto El exfutbolista Jhon Viáfara tras ser capturado por el delito de narcotráfico. El jugador es pedido en extradición por Estados Unidos #MañanasBLU https://t.co/WGzjCQI0cg pic.twitter.com/n1K3hm3vOE — BluRadio Colombia (@BluRadioCo) March 20, 2019

Viafara, who played for half a season at Fratton Park and two years at St Mary's, is also suspected of being a member of a local drug cartel.

Local reports state Viafara, who was arrested with four other suspects, and the cartel sent narcotics to the United States using speed boats and semi-submersibles.

The packages were transported from the southern Pacific coast of Colombia into Central America and then on to US soil.

Viafara is reported to be part of the Clan del Golfo - one of the most powerful cartels in Colombia.

The US is appealing for the five suspects to be extradited as they are wanted for drug trafficking between 2008 and 2018 by the State of Texas District Court.

Viafara was signed by Alain Perrin but shipped out of Portsmouth after Harry Redknapp arrived as manager.

He then moved to Real Sociedad on loan before joining Southampton.

The midfielder played 76 league matches for the Saints, before returning to Colombia as he was "homesick".

Viafara, who won 34 Colombia caps between 2003 and 2010, won the Copa Libertadores with Once Caldas in 2004.

He retired in 2015.