The U.S. Department of the Treasury and its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) have officially labeled Nicolás Maduro's so-called Cartel of the Suns as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). According to U.S. authorities, this cartel is a criminal network deeply embedded within Maduro's regime. Since the late 1990s, the Cartel of the Suns has allegedly used the Venezuelan government as a facade to facilitate drug trafficking into the United States, as per OFAC reports. The Trump administration has specifically accused Nicolás Maduro of being the ringleader of this cartel.
As a result of this designation, OFAC will now seize assets and interests of individuals associated with this organization that are within the United States or under U.S. jurisdiction. On June 25, former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios, known as "El Pollo," admitted to narcoterrorism charges, acknowledging his role within the Cartel of the Suns. The U.S. regards him as a key figure in the cartel.
"Carvajal Barrios and other members of the Cartel of the Suns have exploited the Venezuelan people and undermined Venezuela's legitimate institutions—including parts of the military, intelligence apparatus, and the legislative and judicial branches—to import tons of cocaine into the United States," stated the U.S. Department of Justice in an official release.
The Growing Reach of Criminal Networks
In a related move, the U.S. also designated the Tren de Aragua as an FTO, marking its leaders as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) under American law. Originating in Venezuela, the Tren de Aragua is recognized as one of the most violent and widespread criminal organizations in Latin America, with operations spanning at least ten countries across the continent.
The U.S. government has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias "Niño Guerrero," the top leader of the Tren de Aragua. In recent months, Trump had accused Maduro of aiding drug trafficking and facilitating the Tren de Aragua's operations within U.S. territory.
Understanding U.S. Actions Against Venezuelan Cartels
What is the Cartel of the Suns?
The Cartel of the Suns is a criminal organization allegedly led by Nicolás Maduro, using the Venezuelan government to facilitate drug trafficking into the United States.
Who is Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios?
Hugo Armando Carvajal Barrios, also known as "El Pollo," is a former Venezuelan intelligence chief who admitted to narcoterrorism charges and is considered a key figure in the Cartel of the Suns.
What is the Tren de Aragua?
The Tren de Aragua is a violent criminal organization originating in Venezuela, recognized as one of the most widespread in Latin America with operations in at least ten countries.