Summary
A key figure in the Tren de Aragua gang, José Antonio Márquez Morales, was arrested in Colombia. His capture involved cooperation between Colombia, the US, and the UK. The gang is linked to various criminal activities and has been a focus of US actions against drug trafficking in the region.
Key Facts
- José Antonio Márquez Morales, a leader of the Tren de Aragua gang, was arrested in Valledupar, Colombia.
- His arrest was a joint operation by police forces from Colombia, the US, and the UK.
- Márquez Morales was allegedly responsible for managing the gang's logistics and finances concerning extortion, drug trafficking, and smuggling.
- The US government has labeled the Tren de Aragua gang a terrorist organization under former President Trump.
- More than 250 alleged gang members were deported to a jail in El Salvador by the US.
- The US has ongoing tensions with Venezuela related to efforts against drug trafficking.
- Interpol had issued a Red Notice for Márquez Morales, asking global police to detain him for extradition.
- The US offered a $50 million reward for information leading to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom they accuse of collaborating with drug cartels.
