Drug trafficking in Latin America continues to evolve, driven by economic sanctions, political changes, and the expansion of transnational criminal structures. Since the Trump administration’s oil sanctions in 2019, the Cartel of the Suns has intensified cocaine trafficking to compensate for the Venezuelan regime’s lost revenue (U.S. Department of State, 2023).
During the Biden administration (2020–2024), coca cultivation in Colombia reached record levels, strengthening the FARC-EP, the ELN, and other drug trafficking networks (UNODC, 2023).
Key Factors Driving Drug Trafficking Growth
1. Sanctions and the Rise of the Cartel of the Suns
• The decline in oil revenues in Venezuela encouraged 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 Cultivation in Colombia
• Despite efforts by the Biden administration, crop eradication failed to curb record
cocaine production in 2023 (UNODC, 2023).
• This strengthened criminal organizations exporting cocaine to the U.S. and
Europe (DEA, 2024).
3. Paraguay as a New Drug Trafficking Corridor
• Route adjustments have turned Paraguay into a strategic transit hub for cocaine (Financial Action Task Force, 2023).
• Criminal networks have expanded their presence through new regional alliances (OAS, 2023).
Paraguay Strengthens Its Aerial Security
In response to the growing drug trafficking threat, Paraguay has made key investments in its defense and aerial surveillance capabilities:
• Acquisition of TPS-78 radars: Advanced detection systems to intercept illegal drug flights (Jane’s Defence, 2024).
• Donation of UH-1H helicopters from Taiwan: These 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 deal for these aircraft in 2024. The Brazilian-made planes will enhance Paraguay’s air interdiction capability, enabling it to intercept clandestine drug flights (Flight Global, 2024).
Conclusion
Drug trafficking in Latin America continues to adapt to geopolitical changes and regional security policies. With cocaine trafficking increasing after Venezuela’s oil sanctions and Colombia’s record coca cultivation, Paraguay is emerging as a key corridor for illicit shipments due to its geographic location, corruption, and lack of resources. The purchase of TPS-78 radars, Tucano aircraft, and Taiwan’s donation of UH-1H helicopters represent strategic efforts to curb illegal aerial trafficking and strengthen Paraguay’s fight against drug cartels. The key question remains: Will these resources be effectively integrated in time to counter the surge in cocaine flows?
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
By William Acosta, NYPD, (Ret) and Jesus Daniel Romero, USN, (Ret)
