Around 14 March 2025 (week of), in Zulia state (coded Maracaibo), security forces arrested four mayors, the director of Citizen Security of Almirante Padilla municipality, and seven other individuals for their suspected involvement in a drug trafficking network. The arrested mayors governed the municipalities of Miranda, Almirante Padilla, Jesus Enrique Lossada, and Catatumbo. Authorities also dismantled several logistical supply centers and shipyards suspectedly linked to the network. During the operation, security forces seized 5.4 tons of high-purity cocaine, multiple boats, three submersibles, large quantities of fuel and materials used for vessel construction, weapons, mobile phones, and GPS devices. Officials stated that the network also trained paramilitary groups.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 14, four mayors and 11 associates connected to drug trafficking networks were arrested in Zulia state, Venezuela. Authorities announced the dismantling of logistics supply centers and shipyards linked to the network. This is assessed as a large-scale crackdown on illegal logistics networks in northwestern Venezuela.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Oil & gas transport routes: As Zulia state is Venezuela's largest oil-producing region, the crackdown on illegal networks may have short-term impacts on the security environment around refineries and maritime transport routes
• Caribbean maritime logistics: The dismantling of shipyards near Maracaibo is expected to cause temporary disruptions to small-scale maritime transport services and port auxiliary facility operations
• Cross-border trade: The arrest of the Catatumbo mayor in the Colombia border region is expected to strengthen monitoring of bilateral small-scale commercial activities and informal trade routes
• Regional administrative services: The simultaneous arrest of four municipal heads creates administrative gaps that may cause short-term delays in regional business permits and logistics infrastructure operations

3. Watch points

• Whether additional arrests or expanded investigations occur within Zulia state and trends in security measure changes at oil-related facilities
• Indicators of strengthened customs procedures or trade volume fluctuations in the Colombia-Venezuela border region
• Speed of operational normalization at Maracaibo port and nearby shipbuilding companies and recovery status of maritime logistics services