A significant blow has been dealt to the notorious Tren de Aragua, a powerful Venezuelan criminal gang. In a coordinated international operation involving law enforcement agencies from Colombia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, a high-ranking member identified as the alleged head of the gang’s armed wing has been captured.
The suspect, José Antonio Márquez Morales, also known as ‘Caracas,’ was apprehended in Valledupar, Colombia. Authorities accuse him of playing a crucial role in managing the gang’s illicit operations, including extortion, drug trafficking, and smuggling, overseeing both the logistics and financial aspects of these activities.
The arrest comes as the Tren de Aragua gang has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly from the United States. President Donald Trump previously designated the group as a terrorist organization and has initiated measures to curb its influence, including the deportation of individuals suspected of gang affiliation to El Salvador.
Carlos Fernando Triana Beltrán, the Director of Colombia’s National Police, confirmed the arrest, noting that Márquez Morales was listed on an Interpol Red Notice, signaling a global request for his detention pending extradition. This development highlights the ongoing international efforts to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
The apprehension occurs amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela, particularly concerning the former’s stringent anti-drug trafficking initiatives in Latin America. These efforts have included naval deployments and a forceful stance against drug-related activities originating from Venezuela, which the US administration has accused its government of complicity with.