Catatumbo- inadequate policies of the current administration and the role of the ‘Cartel de los Soles’.
Introduction
The situation of drug trafficking in Colombia, particularly in the Catatumbo region, has reached critical levels. The significant increase in illicit crops and the strengthening of armed groups reflect the deficiencies in the policies of the current administration. This analysis examines the ongoing crisis, the role of the Cartel de los Soles, and its collaboration with the government of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, as well as the urgent need to reactivate satellite monitoring of coca crops.
2023: illicit crops in Colombia reached approximately 253,000 hectares, with an increase of 10,000 hectares in Catatumbo in just one year.
Current Context in Catatumbo
In 2023, illicit crops in Colombia reached approximately 253,000 hectares, with an increase of 10,000 hectares in Catatumbo in just one year. This region, located in the department of Norte de Santander, is strategic due to its proximity to the border with Venezuela and its high cocaine production. Tibú stands out as the municipality with the largest area of illicit crops globally. Various armed groups compete for control of drug trafficking in Catatumbo. The National Liberation Army (ELN) has consolidated its territorial dominance, while dissidents from the FARC, such as the Central General Staff and the Second Marquetalia, have expanded their influence over trafficking routes. Additionally, Los Pelusos seek to strengthen their presence in the area. This rivalry has intensified violence and confrontations in the region.
The government’s eradication policies have shown limited results, highlighting the need for more effective strategies and continuous monitoring. Moreover, reports suggest that the administration has increased intelligence and security cooperation with Maduro’s government, raising concerns about potential information leaks and their impact on anti-drug operations (El Espectador, 2024).
The administration suspended peace talks with the ELN and ordered military forces to regain control of the border with Venezuela in the context of increasing violence in Catatumbo, exacerbated by drug trafficking.
The Mirage of the New Strategy
The administration suspended peace talks with the ELN and ordered military forces to regain control of the border with Venezuela in a context of increasing violence in Catatumbo, exacerbated by drug trafficking. To address this crisis, a social and economic transformation plan was proposed with an investment of 2.7 trillion pesos (approximately 670 million dollars), aimed at eradicating coca crops. This includes payments for voluntary eradication, land titling, crop substitution projects, and constructing a road to connect the region with the rest of the country. Funding will come from taxes on online gambling and levies on resource extraction such as coal and oil.
However, the situation remains critical. The ELN seeks to consolidate its control in this strategic area for drug trafficking and other illegal activities, while violence escalates with recent attacks on civilians (En Segundos, 2025). The government’s approach, which combines security with social development, faces significant challenges.
The recent elimination of Joint Task Forces and Joint Commands, such as Omega, Titan, Hercules, and others, through Resolution 4760 on November 1, 2024, has generated uncertainty about national security.
Elimination of Specialized Forces
The recent elimination of Joint Task Forces and Joint Commands, such as Omega, Titan, Hercules, and others, through Resolution 4760 on November 1, 2024, has generated uncertainty about national security. These units, operational for over 20 years, coordinated actions between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Congress members like Paloma Valencia (Centro Democrático) have criticized the measure as a setback that favors crime, while Óscar Campo (Cambio Radical) questions how their functions will be replaced. Mauricio Giraldo (Partido Conservador) fears it will weaken the Public Force (Diario Las Américas, 2024). Critics warn that this decision could diminish the government’s ability to ensure territorial control.
The Cartel de los Soles, linked to high-ranking military and political officials in Venezuela, plays a key role in drug trafficking, connecting Colombian coca producers with international markets.
The Role of the Cartel de los Soles
The Cartel de los Soles, linked to high-ranking military and political officials in Venezuela, plays a key role in drug trafficking, connecting Colombian coca producers with international markets. This group has established alliances with Colombian armed actors, providing them with logistical support and access to trafficking routes, which expands their operational freedom and territorial control.
Maduro’s government has facilitated escape routes for Colombian armed groups, allowing them to take refuge in Venezuela through corruption and complicity
Facilitation of Escape Routes
Maduro’s government has facilitated escape routes for Colombian armed groups, allowing them to take refuge in Venezuela through corruption and complicity from their security forces. Remote and poorly monitored border areas are used to evade military and police operations.
Implications for Regional Security
The collaboration between the Cartel de los Soles, the Venezuelan government, and Colombian armed groups destabilizes both Colombia and the border region, creating a favorable environment for drug trafficking and organized crime. The protection these groups receive in Venezuela limits the effectiveness of Colombian forces, complicating bilateral relations.
Maduro and ELN’s Plan
Nicolás Maduro and the ELN’s plan seeks to consolidate control over Catatumbo through the monopoly of illegal economies, Venezuelan military support, and the defense of the Chavista regime, prioritizing strategic objectives that strengthen their position in the region.
Recommendations for the U.S. Administration
The Trump administration should demand changes in Colombia’s anti-drug and security policies before its certification, requiring a clear commitment from Petro’s government. This includes reviewing cooperation agreements with Venezuela, prioritizing social and economic development in affected communities, and exerting diplomatic pressure alongside regional allies to dismantle drug trafficking networks and reinforce border security.
Analysis of the Possibility of Conspiracy
There is no direct evidence in this analysis confirming a conspiracy between President Gustavo Petro and cartels such as the Cartel de los Soles or armed groups. However, certain elements could fuel speculation:
– Cooperation with Maduro: Collaboration in intelligence with Venezuela, accused of supporting the Cartel de los Soles, could be interpreted as indirect support for drug trafficking structures (Semana, 2024a).
– Elimination of Military Units: The dissolution of specialized forces could be perceived as a deliberate reduction of pressure on the cartels (Semana, 2024b).
– Soft Approach: Prioritizing social solutions over aggressive eradication could financially benefit the cartels, even if unintentionally.
Conversely, the “total peace” plan, investment in Catatumbo, and lack of concrete evidence suggest intentions to address structural causes rather than collusion. Political opposition may exaggerate these perceptions. In conclusion, the data point more to strategic errors and implementation challenges than to an active conspiracy.
Catatumbo faces a crisis marked by the struggle between the ELN, EPL, and FARC dissidents for control of drug trafficking. Violence, mass displacement, and insufficient government policies complicate the search for stability.
Conclusion
Catatumbo faces a crisis marked by the struggle between the ELN, EPL, and FARC dissidents for control of drug trafficking. Violence, mass displacement, and insufficient government policies complicate the search for stability. Implementing strategies that combine eradication, development, and civil protection is crucial to avoid a humanitarian crisis and promote regional peace.
By: William Acosta, MSI² Subject Matter Expert, and Jesus Romero, Co-Founder and Senior Fellow, MSI²
References
Diario Las Américas. (2024, November 1). Violence in Catatumbo: A plan by Nicolás Maduro and the ELN to shield themselves. https://www.diariolasamericas.com/america-latina/violencia-el-catatumbo-un-plan-nicolas-maduro-el-eln-blindarse-n5370152
El Espectador. (2024, January 15). Reactions to the resolution that eliminates joint task forces and joint commands. https://www.elespectador.com/politica/reacciones-resolucion-mindefensa-que-elimina-fuerzas-de-tareas-conjuntas-y-comandos-conjuntos-noticias-de-hoy/
En Segundos. (2025, January 26). Secret history behind the violent attack by the criminal group in Catatumbo. https://ensegundos.com.pa/2025/01/26/historia-secreta-detras-del-violento-ataque-del-grupo-criminal-en-el-catatumbo/
juanmarcoantoniorp. (2025). Catatumbo Plan: 2.7 trillion pesos will be spent by the National Government. La Opinión. https://www.laopinion.co/politica/plan-catatumbo-27-billones-de-pesos-gastara-el-gobierno-nacional
Semana. (2024a, November 5). The plan of Nicolás Maduro and the ELN: Semana reveals the secret history behind the violent attack by the criminal group in Catatumbo. https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/el-plan-de-nicolas-maduro-y-el-eln-semana-revela-la-historia-secreta-detras-del-violento-ataque-del-grupo-criminal-en-el-catatumbo/202508/
Semana. (2024b, November 10). Hell in Catatumbo: Semana explains who is who in that cruel conflict that has caused more than 90 deaths and 5,000 displaced persons. https://www.semana.com/nacion/articulo/el-infierno-en-catatumbo-semana-explica-quien-es-quien-en-ese-cruel-conflicto-que-ha-causado-mas-de-90-muertos-y-5000-desplazados/202524/
U.S. Department of State, United States Southern Command, COL Carl D. Springer, US Army (Ret) Tulsi Gabbard Diario las Américas The Epoch Times The Epoch Times Español Jesus Romero William Acosta Truth Social innovated by President Donald J. Trump
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