The Invisible Drug Lords of Colombia

The rise of invisible drug lords or “ghost” narcos is a new challenge for Colombia and the international law enforcement. These elusive figures have quickly become a significant threat to national security in Colombia, acting as the primary intermediaries for international criminal organizations, including Mexican cartels, the Italian mafia, and networks in Spain and Brazil. Their sophisticated operations not only complicate efforts to combat drug trafficking but also pose a direct challenge to law enforcement strategies worldwide

How do ghost narcos operate in Colombia?

The Colombian government, recognizing the severity of the threat posed by these ghost narcos, has intensified its efforts to dismantle their networks. In collaboration with international partners such as the United States and the United Kingdom, Colombian authorities have made significant inroads. General William Salamanca revealed that over the past year, at least 35 ghost narcos have been apprehended, underscoring the global reach of these criminals. “Businessmen and other merchants are the ones who are causing this issue and have extended their influence to Europe,” Salamanca noted, highlighting the complex nature of the challenge.

Among the notable successes in this campaign is the capture of Ferney de Jesús Cardona, also known as “Soya”. Initially believed to be a legitimate businessman, Cardona was found to be involved in money laundering operations for the Gulf Clan, Colombia’s most formidable criminal entity. This case exemplifies the deceptive practices of ghost narcos, who often hide their illicit activities behind the facade of legal business ventures.

The operation of ghost narcos in Colombia involves a sophisticated blend of legal and illegal enterprises, making them particularly difficult to prosecute. They possess significant financial resources, enabling them to orchestrate international cocaine trafficking operations while maintaining a low profile. The Colombian national police have seized assets worth over US$168 million and have identified the ghost narcos’ modus operandi, which includes the use of intermediaries to facilitate their drug trafficking operations and to connect with European criminal networks.

What role do intermediaries play?

These intermediaries play a crucial role in the ghost narcos’ strategy, helping to diversify services essential to the global cocaine production chain, such as storage, transport, logistics, and security. Additionally, the ghost narcos maintain formidable enforcement wings, tasked with protecting their leaders, securing laboratories, and ensuring the safe passage of shipments.

This concerted effort by Colombian and international law enforcement to target ghost narcos underscores the global nature of the drug trafficking problem and the need for continued cooperation to address this pervasive threat.