By Natalia Rueda 
Former Venezuelan general Clíver Alcalá has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking activities and aiding the FARC, a Colombian guerrilla group. The New York court found him guilty of working with senior FARC leaders, including alias Timochenko, to facilitate the transport of cocaine and weapons to the United States.
The trial revealed Alcala’s role in the Cartel of the Suns, a drug trafficking organization made up of high-ranking Venezuelan military and political figures. These individuals used their power to enrich themselves and facilitate drug trafficking, which has been a constant concern for the US government. Alcala faces charges related to narcoterrorism, supporting terrorism, cocaine smuggling and weapons possession.
This sentence is considered a major blow to the operation of the Cartel of the Suns, as he admitted to having been bribed to provide weapons to the FARC. In 2023, Alcala pleaded guilty in order to negotiate his sentence. His defense argued that he was only following orders and requested a sentence of only 6 years in prison, which was rejected by the judge.
This case is yet another example of how drug trafficking has infiltrated and corrupted Venezuela’s institutions, directly affecting the Venezuelan people and contributing to the deteriorating situation in the country. The sentencing of Cliver Alcalá is an important step in the fight against drug trafficking and corruption in Venezuela and should serve as a reminder of the importance of taking firm action against these illegal activities.
With information from EFE