A federal court in Brooklyn filed a fifth superseding indictment against Jobanis de Jesus Avila Villadiego, also known as "Chiquito" and "Chiquito Malo," expanding charges related to his leadership of the Clan del Golfo, a Colombian drug cartel and designated terrorist organization. The new indictment adds allegations of narcoterrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and providing or attempting to provide such support. Previously, Avila Villadiego faced charges of operating a continuing criminal enterprise, international cocaine trafficking, and using firearms to further drug trafficking crimes. The ongoing criminal enterprise and multiple conspiracy charges now cover... [Continue Reading]
The US military conducted a strike on an alleged drug-trafficking boat in the eastern Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, killing four people.This marks the fourth deadly attack on vessels in the region within a week.US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees military operations in Latin America and the Caribbean, confirmed the strike and posted aerial footage showing a vessel exploding after being hit by a projectile.The military stated the targeted vessel was transiting along known narcotics trafficking routes.The four fatalities bring the total death toll from this campaign to at least 174 since September.Previous strikes in the past week killed two people... [Continue Reading]