DOJ Announces Life Sentence for Venezuelan Kingpin Known as 'El Gordo,' One of the Country's Top Traffickers

According to U.S. prosecutors, Carlos Orense Azocar, also known as "El Gordo" was responsible for moving hundreds of tons of cocaine to the U.S., generating tens of millions of dollars in illicit proceeds since at least 2003. (Credit: Via InSight Crime)

The Department of Justice announced the sentence of life in prison plus 30 years against Carlos Orense Azocar, described as one of the most prominent drug kingpins in Venezuela and responsible for the distribution of hundreds of tons of cocaine destined for the United States with the assistance of the country's regime.

Also known as "El Gordo," (the fat one) Orense Azocar began his career in organized crime around 2003. According to U.S. prosecutors, he helped transport, receive and distribute cocaine shipments ranging from hundreds to thousands of kilograms from Venezuela to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, among other destinations, using both air and maritime routes.