The media Cambio analyzes the trajectory of the illegal group Los Rastrojos, talking about its beginnings, its transformation from its origins linked to drug trafficking and its areas of influence, to what it is today, a diminished criminal group that has not been controlled by the State. Below are some of their characteristics, which indicate why they have not been controlled and the ways they have used to evade submission to justice.
In the 90s and 2000s, the North Valle del Cauca cartel, led by figures such as Wilber Varela alias “Jabón” and Diego León Montoya alias “Don Diego”, dominated the drug trafficking routes in the north of Valle del Cauca. , a strategic region for drug trafficking in Colombia.
The alliance between “Jabón” and “Don Diego” broke down in a violent conflict in the early 2000s, leading to a bloody war between two factions: Los Rastrojos, led by Varela, and Los Machos, led by Don Diego.
The death of Wilber Varela in 2008 strengthened Los Rastrojos, led by Diego Pérez Henao alias “Diego Rastrojo” and Luis Enrique Calle alias “Comba.” This alliance grew exponentially, becoming one of the largest criminal organizations in the country, with a drug trafficking network that managed to send nearly 180 tons of cocaine per year.
However, as authorities intensified their operations, the leaders of Los Rastrojos were captured and extradited to the United States. Although the organization persisted for a few more years, its influence weakened significantly.
In 2019, Los Rastrojos once again attracted international attention when two of its members were photographed alongside Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó. It is believed that the gang controlled the trails between Colombia and Venezuela, facilitating Guaidó’s escape from his country.
In 2023, Los Rastrojos again made headlines for a violent attack led by alias “el Negro Ober” from prison. This incident marked another chapter in the turbulent history of the criminal organization.
Today, Los Rastrojos have evolved from a drug trafficking cartel to a gang dedicated to micro-trafficking, operating primarily on the border between Colombia and Venezuela. Although their power and influence have diminished, they remain a concern for authorities in the fight against organized crime in the region.