Cartel Activities in Venezuela

Cartel activities in Venezuela are primarily centered in specific border regions, coastal areas, and key transportation hubs. These operations are largely controlled by networks of corrupt state officials and powerful criminal organizations.

Primary Hubs of Criminal Activity

Region/Area	Key Locations	Primary Criminal Activities	Main Groups Involved
Western Border States	Zulia, Apure, Táchira states; border with Colombia	Cocaine transit, clandestine airstrips for drug flights, armed group presence	FARC dissidents, ELN, Venezuelan military factions
Northeastern Coastal Areas	Sucre state (e.g., San Juan de Unare, Paria Peninsula)	Maritime drug trafficking to the Caribbean	Tren de Aragua
Major Ports & Airports	Puerto Cabello port, Simón Bolívar International Airport	Authorizing and protecting drug shipments in official cargo	Elements of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB)
Prisons & Urban Centers	Tocorón Prison (Aragua state); major cities	Extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking, migrant smuggling	Tren de Aragua

Key Groups and Their Geographic Influence

The criminal landscape in Venezuela is dominated by two main types of actors: corrupt state networks and powerful prison-based gangs.

The "Cartel of the Suns": This is not a traditional cartel but a network of corrupt officials within the Venezuelan military, government, and security forces. The name comes from the sun insignia on generals' uniforms. Their activities include providing safe passage for drug shipments, manipulating air defense radar to allow cocaine flights, and authorizing drug-laden cargo from official ports and airports. U.S. authorities allege this network involves top officials.

Tren de Aragua: Venezuela's most powerful homegrown criminal gang, which originated in the Tocorón prison. While its national power was somewhat disrupted after the government retook the prison in 2023, it remains a major threat. The gang has a strong presence in Aragua, Carabobo, Sucre, and Bolívar states. It has expanded its operations abroad by following migration routes to countries like Colombia, Peru, and Chile.

Venezuela's Role in Global Drug Routes

Venezuela's geographic position makes it a strategic transit country for drugs.

A Transit Hub: Venezuela is a major transit point for cocaine, primarily from neighboring Colombia. While most U.S.-bound cocaine travels via the Pacific Ocean, Venezuela is a significant route for cocaine destined for Europe.

International Designations: The U.S. government has designated the "Cartel of the Suns" and the Tren de Aragua as terrorist organizations, alleging they have corrupted state institutions to facilitate drug trafficking and other criminal enterprises.