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Diosdado Cabello Accused of Deep Involvement in FARC Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
CARACAS, Venezuela – U.S. State Department documents reveal extensive allegations against Venezuelan politician Diosdado Cabello Rondón, implicating him in a long-running narcoterrorist conspiracy with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The accusations, dating back years and formalized in a 2020 New York federal indictment, detail Cabello’s alleged coordination with drug traffickers and provision of military support to the rebel group.
Diosdado Cabello, a key figure in the Venezuelan government.
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According to the State Department, Cabello Rondón allegedly “participated in a narcoterrorist conspiracy… among the ‘poster of the suns’,” a reference to a network of high-ranking Venezuelan officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking.The documents allege that Cabello coordinated with the FARC to facilitate the transport and distribution of large quantities of cocaine, profiting from the operation and involving others in providing armed security for drug shipments.
The allegations extend to the alleged resale of previously seized cocaine to drug traffickers for millions of dollars, and interference with drug trafficking investigations both within Venezuela and internationally. Specifically, Cabello is accused of providing the FARC with military weaponry, including machine guns, ammunition, grenade launchers, and explosives.
In March 2020, Cabello was formally indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, conspiracy to import cocaine, and associated firearms offenses, violating Title 21 of the United states Code, Sections 960a and 963, and Title 18 of the United States Code, Sections 924 and 2. The indictment remains sealed, but details have emerged through reporting and official statements.
the accusations against Cabello highlight the complex relationship between the Venezuelan government and illicit drug trafficking, particularly during a period of political and economic instability. The FARC, despite a 2016 peace agreement with the Colombian government, has been accused of continuing involvement in the drug trade, and these allegations suggest a continued willingness to collaborate with corrupt officials in neighboring countries.
Cabello, considered a powerful figure within the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro, has consistently denied any involvement in drug trafficking. However, the U.S. government has maintained sanctions against him and other Venezuelan officials allegedly involved in corruption and drug trafficking.
Background: The “poster of the suns” refers to a group of Venezuelan military and government officials allegedly involved in large-scale drug trafficking operations, named for the sun insignia worn by some members. The U.S. government has offered rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals associated with the network.The allegations against Cabello are part of a broader effort to dismantle these networks and disrupt the flow of illicit drugs from Venezuela.
Justice writing
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