ELN Gang Runs Venezuela Cocaine Trade
Source: wsj.com
TL;DR
- ELN Controls Border: The National Liberation Army (ELN) runs cocaine trade across Colombia-Venezuela borderlands as a de facto state.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- 6 p.m. Curfew: ELN imposes strict 6 p.m. curfew in Catatumbo towns, patrols in camouflage with balaclavas, requires helmetless motorcycling.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- Threatens U.S. Goal: ELN hinders Trump administration's aim to halt cocaine trade, with confrontation risking a quagmire.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
The story at a glance
The Wall Street Journal reports from Cúcuta, Colombia, on how the ELN has taken control of Colombia-Venezuela border areas amid coca farms, acting where governments cannot. Reporter Ian Lovett describes the group's strict rules like curfews and patrols. The piece is out now amid Trump administration pledges to curb cocaine flows through Venezuela.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Key points
- In Catatumbo region, ELN fighters patrol in camouflage uniforms with faces covered by red-and-black balaclavas, their group colors.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- ELN requires motorcyclists to ride without helmets so fighters can check faces.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- Neither Colombia nor Venezuela governments hold power in these undulating borderlands with coca-leaf farms.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- ELN described as criminal gang functioning as de facto state.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
- Group threatens U.S. goal of ending drug trafficking via Venezuela, per subheadline.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Details and context
The article opens in Cúcuta, Colombia, highlighting ELN's dominance in Catatumbo, a restive area known for coca production. Fighters enforce rules to maintain control and visibility over locals. This setup blocks government authority on both sides of the border, aiding cocaine movement.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Paywall limits full access, but visible text focuses on ELN's daily governance like curfews starting at 6 p.m. in some towns. No other recent Reuters, AP, Bloomberg, FT, or Economist pieces match this exact reporting from Cúcuta on ELN patrols.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Key quotes
“The ELN threatens Washington’s goal of ending drug trafficking through the South American country, but confronting it risks ‘a little Vietnam.’” (Article subheadline)[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Why it matters
ELN's border control sustains Venezuela's role as cocaine corridor despite U.S. pressure. It complicates Trump's anti-drug push by creating ungoverned spaces for trafficking. Watch U.S. responses to ELN, given quagmire warnings.
FAQ
Q: What rules does the ELN enforce in Catatumbo?
A: The group imposes a 6 p.m. curfew in some towns. Fighters patrol in camouflage with balaclavas and make motorcyclists go helmetless to see faces.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Q: Where does the ELN hold power?
A: In Colombia-Venezuela borderlands with coca farms, especially Colombia's Catatumbo region near Cúcuta. Neither government wields authority there.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
Q: How does ELN affect U.S. drug goals?
A: It acts as de facto state, threatening Trump administration efforts to halt cocaine trade through Venezuela. Confrontation could lead to prolonged conflict.[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)
[[1]](https://www.wsj.com/world/americas/eln-gang-colombia-venezuela-cocaine-trade-a36350e1)