In a recent development, a broker, known as Luisito, made promises to his client, Julio, regarding the safe transportation of a cocaine-laden container destined for Libya. The broker assured Julio that his connections within the Venezuelan military would ensure the secure passage of the cocaine onto a ship docked at a Venezuelan port. The illicit cargo, concealed within two electrical generators, amounted to 32 kilograms.
Wiretap recordings obtained by CBC News revealed conversations between Luisito and Julio, discussing the involvement of Venezuelan military officers in facilitating the drug shipment. The investigation, conducted by Colombian federal police over two years and concluded in 2016, exposed a multinational drug-smuggling operation originating from Colombia. The organization orchestrated the trafficking of cocaine to various destinations worldwide through both air and sea routes, using human couriers and shipping containers.
During intercepted calls, Luisito frequently referred to senior Venezuelan military officials as “the Suns” and alluded to the ruling party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), using the color red. Despite the denial by the Venezuelan government regarding any ties to drug trafficking, the wiretaps indicated a close relationship between the military and drug smuggling activities.
The former Colombian anti-narcotics agent involved in the case shed light on the existence of the “Cartel of the Suns,” comprising high-ranking Venezuelan military personnel with significant control over cocaine shipments from the country. The agent highlighted the regime’s deep involvement in the drug trade, citing secret runways and operational dominance in narco-trafficking activities.
Furthermore, the U.S. indictment against captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, accused them of conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and import cocaine. The indictment described the Cartel of the Suns as a network through which Venezuelan elites profited from drug trafficking and protected partner traffickers.
The intercepted wiretaps detailed Julio’s plans to move the cocaine-filled container to Libya via Brazil, utilizing fake Venezuelan IDs and a local company. Despite concerns about potential theft, Julio hesitantly proceeded with the arrangement facilitated by Luisito, who boasted of his connections within the United Socialist Party of Venezuela.
Ultimately, the successful shipment to Libya resulted in the arrest and conviction of Luisito and Julio. The former Colombian federal police agent, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed these details, emphasizing the extensive reach of the Venezuelan military within the illicit drug trade.
