02/25/2026, 07:0502/25/2026, 07:05
Colombian police have arrested what they say is a leading drug trafficker in the notorious Tren de Aragua criminal organization. Jorge Luis Páez Cordero, known by the alias “Cucaracho,” is accused of coordinating the shipment of tons of cocaine from Colombia and Venezuela to Central America, the United States and Europe, said police chief General William Oswaldo Rincón Zambrano. He is also said to have controlled extortions and kidnappings and organized money laundering in the Caribbean region.
The “Tren de Aragua”, which comes from Venezuela, is considered one of the most influential criminal networks in the region.Image: keystone
According to the police, “Cucaracho” is considered the right-hand man of “Niño Guerrero,” who is considered the leader of the criminal network. A video released by investigators shows officers from a special unit entering Cordero’s luxury property in Santa Marta, northern Colombia, and surprising the suspect in the bedroom as he sleeps. There was an international wanted notice against him from the police organization Interpol. During the access, the officers confiscated four cell phones and a tablet, which are now being evaluated.
The “Tren de Aragua”, which comes from Venezuela, is considered one of the most influential criminal networks in the region and is associated with drug trafficking, kidnappings and protection rackets. According to the “Insight Crime” platform, which specializes in organized crime, it is more of a loose network of various gangs than a tightly managed international drug ring.
Drug lord’s death triggers wave of violence in Mexico
The arrest in Colombia came just after a serious escalation in drug violence in Mexico. During a military operation on Sunday against the head of the Jalisco Nueva Generación drug cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes alias “El Mencho”, at least 74 people were killed in battles and subsequent riots. The cartel boss was also fatally injured. Suspected cartel members set up roadblocks, set fire to vehicles and attacked businesses. (sda/dpa)
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