Hugo Carvajal, the former head of military intelligence in Venezuela, has made headlines after pleading guilty to narcotic trafficking charges in the United States. This plea highlights a stark transformation from his previous dominance as a powerful figure close to former President Hugo Chávez to becoming a convicted felon. The 65-year-old, known as "El Pollo," was accused of involvement with a drug-smuggling cartel that includes senior military officials. Carvajal's arrest in Madrid, where he tried to evade capture under a disguise, reflects the precarious position of many associated with the Venezuelan government as scrutiny increases on drug-related activities.
Venezuela's Former Intelligence Chief Admits Guilt in US Drug Charges
Venezuela's Former Intelligence Chief Admits Guilt in US Drug Charges
Hugo Carvajal, once a key player in Venezuela's military intelligence, pleads guilty to drug trafficking in a dramatic fall from grace.
In a recent statement from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Carvajal's role in the Cartel de los Soles—a notorious group exploiting military connections for drug operations—was emphasized. For years, the cartel has been implicated in flooding American cities with cocaine, using it as a means of warfare. The US government has further connected Carvajal to Colombian rebel groups, revealing a lucrative partnership involving weapons and drug supply chains.
Speculation surrounding Carvajal's sudden plea change, from one of denial to admission of guilt, hints at possible strategic cooperation with US authorities, potentially implicating the Maduro regime. The relationship between Carvajal and current President Nicolás Maduro has deteriorated dramatically since Carvajal criticized the government during nationwide protests in 2017. The fallout from Carvajal's public support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó forced him to flee to Spain when the military stayed loyal to Maduro. His eventual extradition to the US marked the end of a long period of evasion. As details of the connection between drug trafficking and the Venezuelan state surface, the implications for international relations and the future of Venezuela remain a topic of significant concern.
Ex-Venezuela spy chief denies US drug charges
Spain extradites Venezuela's ex-spy chief to US
Nicolás Maduro, Farc, Venezuela, Drugs trade
Speculation surrounding Carvajal's sudden plea change, from one of denial to admission of guilt, hints at possible strategic cooperation with US authorities, potentially implicating the Maduro regime. The relationship between Carvajal and current President Nicolás Maduro has deteriorated dramatically since Carvajal criticized the government during nationwide protests in 2017. The fallout from Carvajal's public support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó forced him to flee to Spain when the military stayed loyal to Maduro. His eventual extradition to the US marked the end of a long period of evasion. As details of the connection between drug trafficking and the Venezuelan state surface, the implications for international relations and the future of Venezuela remain a topic of significant concern.
Ex-Venezuela spy chief denies US drug charges
Spain extradites Venezuela's ex-spy chief to US
Nicolás Maduro, Farc, Venezuela, Drugs trade
