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October 3, 2025 | View in your browser ([link removed])
This week, InSight Crime reports from the ground ([link removed]) in Sucre, Venezuela, on the state’s role in the drug trade and how it may shift after a US missile strike on September 2 destroyed a vessel that had departed from its coast, allegedly tied to Tren de Aragua.
Also this week, the assassination of a CJNG leader in Mexico underscores ([link removed]) how fuel theft has become a catalyst for some of the country’s worst violence against citizens, police, and oil workers; the relentless growth of the global cocaine trade drives ([link removed]) new smuggling innovations as traffickers experiment with creative ways to move their product; and the attack on Uruguay’s acting attorney general after a major drug seizure tied to Sebastián Marset signals ([link removed]) the rising influence of violent criminal organizations in the country’s underworld.
This and more below.
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** 📅 Don’t Miss Our Upcoming Event | Crime, Climate, and COP30: Environmental Crime Challenges in Latin America ([link removed])
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Join InSight Crime experts and special guests in our donor-exclusive event on October 27 to discuss how organized crime fuels climate change, how government and private sector failings enable environmental crime in Latin America, and why organized crime must be part of the climate change debate. Donate today to participate ([link removed]) .
** New Spanish Special Episode
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The Shadow of El Dorado brings Spanish-speaking audiences, in a special standalone episode, the story of blood gold and wild capitalism, as told in our award-nominated podcast series. For those who wish to delve deeper, the full investigative series is also available in English.
Listen to the special episode in Spanish > ([link removed])
Listen to the full podcast series in English > ([link removed])
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On the Radar: Are the Chapitos and CJNG Working Together in Mexico? ([link removed])
This week, we look at a massive DEA sweep against alleged Jalisco Cartel operatives in the US, growing signs of an alliance between Mexico’s two major criminal powers, and an assassination attempt in Uruguay connected to international trafficker Sebastián Marset.
Watch the full video here > ([link removed])
** Featured
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** US Drone Strike Highlights Sucre’s Role in Venezuela’s Cocaine Corridor ([link removed])
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On September 2, a small boat left the coast of Sucre state, Venezuela, and headed into the Caribbean Sea. Moments later, a missile launched from a drone struck the vessel, killing everyone on board.
The swift, precise attack drew global attention and highlighted Sucre’s role in drug trafficking.
Read our analysis here > ([link removed])
Read more Venezuela coverage > ([link removed])
** News Analysis
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** All News > ([link removed])
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How Fuel Theft Drives Mexico’s Violence Epidemic ([link removed])
5 New Creative Ways Traffickers Tried to Smuggle Cocaine ([link removed])
Uruguay’s Acting AG Attacked at Home After Marset-Linked Bust ([link removed])
** Impact
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** What We Do > ([link removed])
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From September 24–28, InSight Crime participated in the 11th edition of the DIG Awards, an international festival of investigative journalism in Modena, Italy, where our Project Manager James Bargent was a finalist for our podcast The Shadow of El Dorado. The series explores how gold mining in places like Segovia, Colombia, is steeped in violence and illegality, revealing how the pursuit of this “bloodstained” metal enriches not only warlords and gangsters but also the global political and business elite.
Listen to the podcast series > ([link removed])
** This Week's Criminal Profile: Jalisco Cartel New Generation
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The Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación – CJNG) is one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups. With operations in nearly every state, it is famous for its use of extreme violence. This week, the group made headlines after the DEA carried out a massive operation between September 22 and 26, seizing 77 tons of drugs, hundreds of weapons, and millions of dollars in cash. Authorities also arrested 670 people allegedly linked to the CJNG.
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Read our CJNG profile > ([link removed])
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Read our Mexico coverage > ([link removed])
** Media Mentions
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** About us > ([link removed])
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September 26, 2025
El País ([link removed])
“An analysis conducted by InSight Crime at the end of June acknowledged that legal concerns about the use of drones persist [in Haiti] due to the increase in reports of civilian casualties.”
Read our analysis here > ([link removed])
** Support our work ([link removed])
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We go into the field to interview, report and investigate. We then verify, write and edit, providing the tools to generate real impact in fighting organized crime.
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InSight Crime is sponsored by:
American University ([link removed])
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency ([link removed])
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