Alcalá’s sentencing comes after he admitted to providing weapons to the FARC, a terrorist group, and accepting bribes in the form of cocaine. Prosecutors sought a 30-year sentence, while his lawyers requested a six-year sentence. Ultimately, U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein sentenced him to over 21 years in prison. In a statement, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the impact of Alcalá’s actions on both Venezuela and the United States, stating that he will now spend more than two decades in a U.S. prison.
Prosecutors detailed how Alcalá, a retired three-star Venezuelan army general, used his position within the military to support the FARC in distributing cocaine bound for the United States. He surrendered in Colombia in 2020 to face charges in New York that implicated both him and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a conspiracy to flood the U.S. with cocaine. Despite his involvement in these activities, his lawyers stated that he lived modestly in Colombia before his arrest, with limited financial resources. In a recent interview, Alcalá shared that he has spent his time behind bars reflecting on his choices and staying in shape through daily exercise.
The case against Alcalá sheds light on the complex web of connections between military figures, political leaders, and drug trafficking organizations in Venezuela. The sentencing of a retired general for supporting a terrorist group and facilitating the distribution of cocaine highlights the extent to which corruption and criminal activity have infiltrated the highest levels of power in the country. The involvement of Alcalá and other military and political leaders in a conspiracy to use Venezuela as a base for drug trafficking demonstrates the challenges faced by law enforcement in combating transnational crime.
The guilty plea and subsequent sentencing of Alcalá serve as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar activities. The legal consequences for supporting terrorist groups and trafficking drugs can be severe, as evidenced by the over two-decade prison sentence handed down to Alcalá. By holding individuals accountable for their actions, law enforcement aims to disrupt criminal networks and prevent further harm to society. The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime, as Alcalá’s arrest and prosecution involved multiple countries working together.
The impact of Alcalá’s crimes extends beyond Venezuela, as the weapons and drugs he facilitated the distribution of had far-reaching consequences. The sentencing of a former high-ranking military official for such offenses sends a strong message about the consequences of using one’s position for illicit gain. It also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by corruption and criminality in Latin America, particularly in countries like Venezuela where government officials have been implicated in illegal activities. Overall, the case highlights the need for continued efforts to address corruption and criminal networks operating in the region.
