The United States recently labeled the “Cartel de los Soles” a foreign terrorist organization. This group is allegedly led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and senior government officials. This designation grants U.S. authorities broader powers to combat the organization.
The U.S. has ramped up pressure on Maduro’s government, which they claim is illegitimate after last year’s election, widely considered rigged. This new label gives the U.S. another way to increase pressures on Venezuela.
However, the Venezuelan government denies the existence of the Cartel de los Soles, calling the allegations a “ridiculous lie.” Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s interior minister, characterizes the cartel as an invention to target political opponents. He notes that whenever someone angers the U.S., they are named as part of the cartel.
Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has also dismissed the cartel as a fictional excuse used by the U.S. to destabilize governments that oppose its interests. Despite these denials, the U.S. maintains that the Cartel de los Soles has infiltrated various levels of Venezuelan institutions, including the military and judiciary.
The term “Cartel de los Soles” dates back to the early 1990s. It originated when a general was accused of drug trafficking, and it refers to the sun-shaped insignia worn by high-ranking military officials. Mike LaSusa, an organized crime expert, states that the label is used for Venezuelan officials with alleged connections to drug trade, regardless of their formal connection to the cartel.
The group’s activities reportedly began in the late 1980s. As counter-narcotics efforts intensified in Colombia, the Cartel de los Soles emerged to facilitate cocaine transportation from Colombia. This evolution accelerated during Hugo Chávez’s presidency, which began in 1999. Chávez cut military ties with the U.S., creating an environment where Venezuelan officials could collude with drug traffickers without fear of U.S. oversight.
Wesley Tabor, a former DEA agent, emphasizes that not just high-ranking officials, but also many in law enforcement became involved in drug trafficking, helping flood the U.S. with cocaine.
According to the U.S. Justice Department, the cartel operates through a system of widespread corruption rather than a traditional organizational structure. The ongoing economic crisis in Venezuela has exacerbated this issue. The Maduro administration struggles to pay its military, leading some officers to accept bribes from traffickers to remain loyal.
Despite the U.S. claims, experts argue that the truth about the Cartel de los Soles lies somewhere in between. While there is evidence of drug trafficking connections, the full extent of the cartel’s influence within the Venezuelan government is still debated.
The U.S. has accused Maduro and others of conspiring with militant Colombian groups to transport cocaine to America. In 2020, Maduro and 14 associates were indicted, accused of leading this cartel. Information from former Venezuelan officials supported these claims, although they were often dismissed as part of a conspiracy.
Today, the Maduro government remains defiant, proclaiming the Cartel de los Soles a non-existent fabrication. As the U.S. increases its rewards for information on Maduro and Cabello, both leaders continue to face scrutiny from various international bodies.
For further context, check out the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for ongoing updates and insights about drug trafficking trends and enforcement efforts.
