Trump Team Labels Maduro ‘Cartel’ Boss – What It Really Means
- A look at the rise of alleged drug trafficking by high-ranking Venezuelan military officials, and how a local idiom became a focal point of international investigation.
- The phrase "Cartel de los Soles" - literally "Cartel of the Suns" - originated in Venezuela as a sardonic expression.
- The term reflected a growing perception that these officials were enriching themselves through illicit means, effectively operating above the law.
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The “Cartel de los Soles”: From Venezuelan Slang to U.S.Indictments
Table of Contents
A look at the rise of alleged drug trafficking by high-ranking Venezuelan military officials, and how a local idiom became a focal point of international investigation.
Origins of the Term: A Nation’s Disillusionment
The phrase “Cartel de los Soles” - literally “Cartel of the Suns” - originated in Venezuela as a sardonic expression. It wasn’t initially understood as a literal criminal enterprise,but rather as a biting commentary on the ostentatious wealth and perceived impunity enjoyed by Venezuelan generals. The “suns” referred to the golden stars (“soles”) adorning the shoulders of these high-ranking officers, symbolizing their power and privilege. As Venezuela’s economic and political situation deteriorated, and allegations of corruption within the military grew, the term became widespread, encapsulating public frustration and distrust.
The term reflected a growing perception that these officials were enriching themselves through illicit means, effectively operating above the law. It was a cultural expression of a deeply rooted problem – the erosion of institutional integrity and the rise of a military deeply involved in criminal activity.
The U.S. Takes Notice: From Metaphor to Indictment
Over time, the U.S. government began to treat “cartel de los Soles” not as a metaphor, but as a genuine, organized criminal network. This shift in perception led to a series of indictments and sanctions targeting Venezuelan military officials accused of drug trafficking, especially cocaine, to the United States and Europe. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Justice began actively investigating individuals identified as key players within this alleged cartel.
In December 2020,the U.S. Department of Justice unsealed indictments against several Venezuelan officials,including high-ranking military figures,accusing them of participating in a conspiracy to import large quantities of cocaine into the U.S. These indictments detailed allegations of corruption, bribery, and the use of military assets to facilitate drug trafficking operations. The charges included narcoterrorism, a designation that carries particularly severe penalties.
Key figures and Allegations
Several individuals have been identified by the U.S. government as central figures in the “Cartel de los Soles.” These include:
| Name | Rank/Position | Allegations |
|---|---|---|
| Tareck El Aissami | Former vice President, Minister of Interior and Justice | Accused of facilitating drug shipments, laundering money, and providing protection to drug traffickers. Indicted in 2017 and offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest. |
| Hugo Carvajal Barrios | Former Major General | Allegedly a key liaison between the Venezuelan government and Colombian FARC rebels involved in drug trafficking. Arrested in 2019, but later released. |
| Manuel Quevedo | Former Minister of Petroleum | Accused of involvement in a scheme to smug
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