Jesús Daniel Romero and William Acosta for Power & Money and FinGurú
The drug trade in Latin America continues to transform, driven by economic sanctions, political changes, and the evolution of transnational criminal structures.
Since the oil sanctions imposed by the Trump administration in 2019, the Cartel of the Suns has intensified cocaine trafficking to compensate for the fall in revenue of the Venezuelan regime (U.S. Department of State, 2023). During the Biden administration (2020-2024), coca cultivation in Colombia reached record levels, facilitating the strengthening of the FARC-EP, the ELN, and other drug trafficking networks (UNODC, 2023).
Key Factors in the Growth of Drug Trafficking
1. Sanctions and the Rise of the Cartel of the Suns
• The drop in oil revenues in Venezuela has incentivized the expansion of drug trafficking (OFAC, 2023).
• Alternative routes have consolidated trafficking through the Caribbean, Brazil, and Africa (InSight Crime, 2023).
2. Increase in coca crops in Colombia
• Despite the efforts of the Biden administration, the eradication of crops has failed to contain the record production of cocaine in 2023 (UNODC, 2023).
• This has strengthened criminal organizations that export cocaine to the U.S. and Europe (DEA, 2024).
3. Paraguay as a new trafficking corridor
• Adjustments in routes have made Paraguay a strategic point for cocaine transit (Financial Action Task Force, 2023).
• The presence of criminal networks has increased with new alliances in the region (OAS, 2023).
Paraguay Strengthens Its Air Security
In the face of the growing threat of drug trafficking, Paraguay has made key investments in its air defense and surveillance capacity:
• Purchase of TPS-78 radars: Advanced detection systems to intercept illegal flights used for drug trafficking (Jane’s Defence, 2024).
• Donation of UH-1H helicopters by Taiwan: They will support patrol and rapid response missions in vulnerable areas (Taipei Times, 2024).
• Purchase of Embraer EMB-312 Tucano aircraft: Paraguay announced a $105 million package for the purchase of these aircraft in 2024. These Brazilian aircraft will strengthen Paraguay's air interdiction capacity, allowing the interception of clandestine flights carrying drug shipments (Flight Global, 2024).
Conclusion
The drug trade in Latin America continues to adjust to geopolitical changes and security policies in the region. With the intensification of cocaine trafficking following the oil sanctions in Venezuela and the record levels of coca cultivation in Colombia, Paraguay will emerge as a key corridor for illicit shipments due to its geographical situation, the existence of corruption, and a lack of resources. The purchase of TPS-78 radars, the acquisition of Tucano aircraft, and the donation of UH-1H helicopters by Taiwan represent strategic efforts to contain illegal air trafficking and strengthen the fight against drug trafficking. We can only hope that these resources are integrated and ready for the expected increase in the flow of more cocaine.
References
• DEA (2024). National Drug Threat Assessment 2024. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
• Financial Action Task Force (2023). Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking in South America. FATF Report.
• InSight Crime (2023). Cocaine Flows Through Venezuela: The Role of the Cartel of the Suns. Retrieved from www.insightcrime.org.
• Jane’s Defence (2024). Paraguay Acquires TPS-78 Radar Systems for Border Security. Jane’s Intelligence Review.
• OFAC (2023). Sanctions on Venezuela’s PDVSA and Criminal Networks. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
• OAS (2023). Transnational Organized Crime in the Americas. Organization of American States Report.
• Taipei Times (2024). Taiwan Strengthens Military Ties with Paraguay Through Helicopter Donation. Retrieved from www.taipeitimes.com.
• U.S. Department of State (2023). Venezuela and the Cartel of the Suns: A Drug Trafficking Network. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
• UNODC (2023). Coca Cultivation and Cocaine Production in Colombia: 2023 Report. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
About the Authors
William L. Acosta: Magna Cum Laude graduate from PWU and Alianza University. Retired New York police officer and founder of Equalizer Private Investigations & Security Services Inc. Since 1999, he has directed investigations on narcotics, homicides, and missing persons, participating in state and federal criminal defense. An international case specialist, he has coordinated operations in North America, Europe, and Latin America.
Jesús D. Romero: Magna Cum Laude graduate from Norfolk State University. Retired officer from the U.S. Navy intelligence service and Army Intelligence Operations with 37 years of service. Worked in the defense industry with British Aerospace Systems and Booz Allen Hamilton. Commanded a unit of the Defense Intelligence Agency in Panama and oversaw operations in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Amazon bestselling author and commentator on radio, television, and print media.
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