Summary
Hugo Carvajal, a former Venezuelan military intelligence director, has admitted in a U.S. court to involvement in drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. He worked with a Colombian group to distribute cocaine in the U.S., and he faces a long prison sentence.
Key Facts
- Hugo Carvajal was a director in Venezuela's military and worked under President Hugo Chavez from 2004 to 2011.
- He pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and narcoterrorism in a U.S. court.
- Carvajal's charges include attempting to bring large amounts of cocaine into the U.S. and conspiring with others to do so.
- He worked with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), which was previously considered a terrorist group by the U.S.
- Prosecutors suggest Carvajal should receive at least 50 years in prison.
- Carvajal was nicknamed "El Pollo," which means "the chicken" in Spanish.
- He took part in a failed coup in 1992 that helped Chavez become well-known.
- Carvajal was extradited from Spain to the U.S. in July 2023, after a long effort by the U.S. Justice Department.
