Feb 20 • 18:41 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El País

The UCO detains in Colombia the 'invisible narco' ‘Medio Labio’, responsible for laundering money for the Gulf Clan

The UCO has arrested John Henry González Herrera, known as 'Medio Labio', in Medellín, Colombia, for laundering money for the Gulf Clan, a major drug trafficking organization.

In a significant operation led by the Unidad Central Operativa (UCO) of the Civil Guard and the National Police of Colombia, John Henry González Herrera, also known as 'Medio Labio', was arrested in Medellín. He is alleged to be a key figure in the money laundering operations for the Gulf Clan, which is recognized as the largest criminal organization in Colombia and is implicated in a substantial portion of cocaine shipments destined for European ports. This arrest is part of broader efforts to combat the financial networks that underpin drug trafficking in the region.

The Gulf Clan is notorious for its global drug trafficking operations and its ability to integrate illicit gains into seemingly legitimate businesses. González Herrera, categorized as a 'fourth-generation narco', operates in stark contrast to the flamboyant style of infamous narcotraffickers like Pablo Escobar. Instead of drawing attention to himself, he maintains a low profile while manipulating financial systems to launder money. This strategy allows the Gulf Clan to sustain its operations and evade authorities, making the arrest of such figures critical in the fight against organized crime.

The ramifications of this operation extend beyond the immediate impact of arresting an alleged money launderer. It represents a concerted effort by Colombian authorities and their international partners to dismantle the financial infrastructure that supports drug trafficking. As investigations continue, the potential unraveling of criminal financial networks could lead to further arrests and significant strides in reducing the cocaine supply chain to Europe, underlining the ongoing struggle against drug-related crime.

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