Full Breakdown
The Cartel of the Suns: Venezuelan Military's Alleged Role in Drug Trafficking
1/13/2026, 1:54:05 AM
Overview of the Drug Trafficking Network
A two-year investigation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has unveiled a complex drug trafficking network involving high-ranking Venezuelan military officials, referred to as the "Cartel of the Suns." This organization is implicated in the smuggling of cocaine from Venezuela to various international destinations, including Libya. The investigation, which culminated in 2016, revealed that military officers at Guarano International Port were allegedly facilitating the shipment of cocaine, hidden in shipping containers, with the assurance of safe passage.
Key Figures in the Operation
Luis Ernesto Galvis Martinez, alias "Luisito," and Luis Fernando Martinez, alias "Julio," were central figures in the wiretapped conversations that exposed the cartel's operations. Luisito, acting as a broker, assured Julio that Venezuelan military officers would protect their shipment, stating, “They’re military, there is no need for a guarantee with them.” The conversations indicated that these military officials had significant control over drug shipments, with Luisito claiming that they operated their own side businesses at the port.
The Cartel's Operations and Methods
The cartel's operations involved using fake identification and local companies to disguise cocaine shipments. In one instance, Julio planned to transport 32 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside electrical generators. The cartel reportedly charged fees ranging from $8,000 and up for allowing containers to pass through the port. A former Colombian anti-narcotics agent noted that the Venezuelan regime had deep ties to the drug trade, with sources indicating the existence of secret runways for drug flights.
Official Statements & Responses
The Venezuelan government has denied any involvement in drug trafficking, asserting that no military or government officials were implicated in the wiretaps. However, the U.S. indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, describes the Cartel of the Suns as a "patronage system" that enriches Venezuelan elites through drug trafficking.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics argue that the Venezuelan military's alleged involvement in drug trafficking undermines the country's sovereignty and contributes to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The former Colombian agent involved in the investigation expressed concerns about the extent of military control over drug operations, stating, “They are sending product out daily … what interests them is money.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigation revealed significant details about the cartel's operations, discrepancies remain regarding the extent of military involvement and the overall impact of these activities on Venezuelan society. The Venezuelan government continues to deny allegations of drug trafficking connections, raising questions about the reliability of the information obtained through wiretaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Someone has to be the guarantee,” — Luisito, Broker
- “No, they are the ones in charge of the ports …” — Luisito, Broker
- “They have been doing this for a long time …” — Luisito, Broker
- “They are sending product out daily …” — Luisito, Broker
The investigation into the Cartel of the Suns highlights the intricate relationship between the Venezuelan military and drug trafficking, raising concerns about governance and law enforcement in the region.
