Colombian authorities dismantle Clan del Golfo drug trafficking network

Colombian authorities, in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Attorney General's Office, have dismantled a drug trafficking and money laundering structure linked to the Clan del Golfo criminal group. The operation, known as ‘Mega Operación Imperium’, targeted activities in Medellín, Cali, and the Urabá region of Antioquia.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 individuals, including one person wanted for extradition by the United States. Authorities also seized 39 assets valued at approximately $12 million through asset forfeiture proceedings.

Investigations revealed that the criminal group had ties to Wilmar Albeiro Mejía Úsuga, alias ‘Richard’, a leader within the Juan de Dios Úsuga structure of the Clan del Golfo. To conceal illicit funds, the organization utilized virtual wallets and crypto-assets, transferring approximately $180 million in cryptocurrency to an exchange located in Iran. The accounts used were reportedly flagged by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for involvement in narcotics trafficking and money laundering.