Washington, DC – The US government has designated a Colombian drug cartel as a “foreign terrorist organization.” This is the first such action taken against organized crime groups in the region.
The U.S. State Department said the designation allows authorities to freeze the gang’s assets and prosecute its members. It also allows for strict restrictions on any entity providing them with financial or logistical support.
The ministry confirmed that this step comes as part of an intensive campaign to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, and to protect the national security of the United States and its allies.
The statement added that the gang was responsible for extensive drug trafficking networks into the United States and Europe. Its members were also involved in numerous acts of violence that threatened stability in Colombia.
The US State Department also stressed that any support for this organization would be met with severe sanctions. It indicated that US measures would extend to anyone participating in or supporting its activities, in full cooperation with Colombian authorities.
Washington emphasized that the goal was to send a strong message. This message underscores that any criminal group threatening international security will face decisive action, regardless of the scope of its operations.
