Venezuela's Former Spy Chief Admits Guilt in Drug Trafficking Case

Hugo Carvajal, Venezuela's ex-head of military intelligence, has shifted from being a feared authority to a convict, revealing significant ties to drug trafficking organizations and potential insights about the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela's former military intelligence chief, Hugo Carvajal, widely known as "El Pollo," has officially admitted guilt to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking charges in the United States. This plea marks a notable decline for Carvajal, who once held a powerful role in the Venezuelan government. U.S. authorities revealed that the 65-year-old was integral to a drug syndicate involving senior members of the Venezuelan military.

Carvajal's entry into the criminal justice system comes after his dramatic arrest in a hideout in Madrid, where he was found using disguises, including a fake moustache and wig. Carvajal was previously a staunch ally of the late President Hugo Chávez and is believed to possess valuable information regarding his successor, Nicolás Maduro.

U.S. prosecutors have linked Carvajal with the notorious Cartel de los Soles, a powerful drug trafficking organization in Venezuela, utilizing cocaine as a means to inundate American cities. Official statements reveal that he collaborated with Colombia's leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces, providing military supplies while facilitating drug shipments to the U.S.

The former spymaster's plea changes the narrative two years after he vehemently denied the allegations against him, prompting speculation about a possible plea deal for a reduced sentence in exchange for insights on Maduro's government. Maduro himself has been charged with narco-terrorism and faces sanctions from the U.S. based on these claims.

Relations between Carvajal and Maduro faced a setback in 2017 due to erupting anti-government protests, where Carvajal displayed support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó's efforts to topple Maduro. Following an ultimatum from the military to remain loyal to Maduro, Carvajal sought refuge in Spain, eventually evading capture until his recent extradition to the United States.