News|DrugsBolivian authorities capture drug kingpin Sebastian Marset in police raidMarset was transferred into the custody of the United States, which has pushed for more aggressive antidrug tactics.
On Fri, Mar 8, 2024, Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, a prominent figure in South American drug trafficking, was apprehended in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, following a coordinated operation involving numerous law enforcement personnel.
On Fri, Mar 8, 2024, Sebastian Enrique Marset Cabrera, a prominent figure in South American drug trafficking, was apprehended in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, following a coordinated operation involving numerous law enforcement personnel.
The capture of Marset is considered a significant development in the effort to combat organized crime in the region. According to Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, this event reflects the government's commitment to addressing both international and domestic criminal networks.
President Paz, who assumed office in November, has reinstated cooperation with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part of a broader strategy to tackle drug trafficking. This move marks a shift in Bolivia's approach following a prolonged period of non-collaboration with US agencies.
Following his arrest, Marset was transferred to US custody. The operation was executed by local law enforcement without the involvement of the DEA, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The capture of Marset is considered a significant development in the effort to combat organized crime in the region.
Marset, a 34-year-old Uruguayan national, is recognized by the DEA as a major figure in drug trafficking across South America. He faces charges of money laundering related to the use of US financial institutions for processing drug trafficking proceeds. Additionally, he is accused of leading the First Uruguayan Cartel, a group implicated in international cocaine distribution.
His criminal activities have been linked to significant drug seizures, including nearly 16 tonnes of cocaine found in Antwerp, Belgium. Authorities in Paraguay and Bolivia have also sought Marset's arrest, with both countries offering rewards for information leading to his capture.
The US had placed a $2 million bounty on Marset in 2023, underscoring his high-profile status in the international drug trade. Marset's involvement in football investments and his past attempts to evade capture, including an incident in Dubai, further illustrate his extensive criminal network.
Post-arrest, Paraguay has expressed intentions to seek Marset's extradition for prosecution.
Marset's arrest follows another significant operation targeting Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," a leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico. This operation, conducted last month, resulted in El Mencho's death and subsequent retaliatory actions across Mexico.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.