Archive · 1 Dec 2025
Venezuelan gangs and African jihadists fuel Europe's cocaine surge
Venezuelan gangs and corrupt officials are sending large amounts of cocaine from Colombia to West Africa.
There, groups linked to al Qaeda help move the drugs north to Europe.
This is happening because traditional smuggling routes are overwhelmed, and Venezuela's long coastline and weak security make it easy for drugs to pass through.
The U.S. has accused Venezuelan leaders of being involved in this drug trade, but they deny it.
European countries are trying to stop the drugs, but it's getting harder because of political instability in Africa.
Venezuelan gangs and corrupt officials smuggle cocaine from Colombia to West Africa using various transport methods.
African jihadists, including al Qaeda-affiliated groups, help move the drugs from West Africa to Europe.
Cocaine seizures in Europe now exceed those in North America due to rising demand and new smuggling routes.
The U.S. has accused Venezuelan leaders, including Nicolás Maduro, of involvement in the drug trade, which they deny.
European law-enforcement agencies are struggling to keep up with the increasing volumes of cocaine entering the continent.
- Who
- Venezuelan gangs, African jihadists, corrupt officials, Colombian traffickers
- What
- Cocaine trafficking from South America to Europe via West Africa
- When
- Ongoing, with recent seizures in 2023 and 2024
- Where
- Colombia, Venezuela, West Africa, Europe
- Why
- High demand in Europe, strategic location of Venezuela, corrupt institutions
- Primary Route
- Colombia → Venezuela → West Africa → Europe
- Key Players
- Venezuelan gangs, African jihadists, corrupt officials
- Transport Methods
- Light aircraft, fishing boats, semi-submersibles, freighters
- Recent Seizures
- 3.3 tons (Spain), 2.6 tons (Guinea-Bissau), 2.2 tons (Ireland)
- U.S. Accusations
- Maduro and Cabello involved in drug trafficking
- European Demand
- Rising cocaine consumption in Europe
- Jihadist Involvement
- Al Qaeda-affiliated groups facilitate drug trafficking in Africa