A retired three-star Venezuelan army general, Cliver Alcalá, has been sentenced to over 21 years in prison by a U.S. District Judge in Manhattan. Alcalá, who twice attempted coups against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, pleaded guilty last year to charges of supporting a terrorist group and providing weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S.
Prosecutors had sought a 30-year prison term for Alcalá, citing his acceptance of millions of dollars in cocaine-fueled bribes. However, his defense team requested a six-year sentence. The judge ultimately ruled for a 21-year and eight-month prison term.
According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, Alcalá and his associates aimed to weaponize cocaine by supplying weapons to the FARC while facilitating the shipment of tons of drugs to the United States. Williams stated that Alcalá had exploited his position in the Venezuelan military, commanding a significant number of armed officers, to aid the FARC in distributing large quantities of cocaine bound for the U.S.
Alcalá surrendered in Colombia in 2020 to face charges in New York, where he was indicted along with Maduro and several other military and political figures in a conspiracy to utilize Venezuela as a base for flooding the U.S. with cocaine.
Alcalá's defense team highlighted his modest lifestyle in Colombia prior to his arrest, emphasizing his simple living conditions and limited financial resources. In a recent interview, Alcalá expressed remorse for his actions, reflecting on his decisions and mistakes while maintaining a disciplined routine that includes reading and physical exercise.
The sentencing of Cliver Alcalá marks a significant development in the case, underscoring the consequences of supporting illicit activities and terrorist organizations. As Alcalá begins his lengthy prison term, the implications of his actions on international drug trafficking and security remain a focal point of ongoing investigations and efforts to combat transnational crime.
