US Labels Cartel de los Soles as a Terrorist Organization

Raúl Benítez-Manau, an organized crime expert at Mexico’s UNAM university, has studied the activities of the Cartel de los Soles, which began in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This period coincided with significant developments in Colombia, the leading producer of cocaine globally. The decline of the Medellín Cartel due to a strong counter-narcotics campaign in Colombia created a vacuum that the Cartel de los Soles filled by establishing alternative cocaine trafficking routes.

Cartel de los Soles: Rise to Power

As Venezuela transitioned into the presidency of Hugo Chávez in 1999, the Cartel de los Soles gained strength. Chávez’s administration was characterized by an anti-U.S. stance and the severing of military cooperation with the United States. This shift provided Venezuelan army officers with the freedom to engage with criminal networks.

Chávez’s Ideological Alliances

Chávez’s support for Colombia’s leftist guerrilla group, the Farc, further facilitated drug trafficking through Venezuela. The Farc, facing military pressure in Colombia, found a sanctuary in Venezuela, where they were viewed as ideological allies by Chávez.

• The Cartel de los Soles played a crucial role in drug trafficking during the late 20th century.
• The dismantling of the Medellín Cartel in Colombia led to increased activity by the Cartel de los Soles.
• Hugo Chávez’s presidency saw the establishment of partnerships between military officials and drug traffickers.

Impact on Drug Trafficking

Wesley Tabor, a former DEA agent, noted that the Farc found a haven in Venezuela, with various government officials, including police and military officers, collaborating in drug trafficking operations. Together, they inundated the United States with large quantities of cocaine.

As a result, the influence of the Cartel de los Soles has significantly grown, marking its place in the global drug trade landscape. Both the internal dynamics of Venezuela and external pressures in Colombia have shaped this organization’s operation strategies.

Conclusion

The designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization reflects its deep-rooted connection to drug trafficking and organized crime. Understanding its origins and alliances is crucial for addressing the broader implications for both Venezuela and international drug enforcement efforts.