InSight Crime: Aruba identified as transit route for ELN cocaine trafficking to Europe

ORANJESTAD — Aruba is identified as one of the Caribbean islands being used as a transit route for cocaine shipped from Venezuela to Europe. This emerges from an investigation by InSight Crime, published on December 8, 2025, examining the expansion of the Colombian guerrilla group Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN) in Venezuela and its growing involvement in international drug trafficking.

According to the investigation, the ELN has expanded its control over cocaine production, processing, and transportation in the border region between Colombia and Venezuela. The group takes advantage of its presence on Venezuelan territory to organize drug operations and facilitate international shipments.

Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao are specifically mentioned as transit destinations. InSight Crime reports that cocaine shipments move through the Venezuelan state of Zulia, Lake Maracaibo, and the coast of Falcón before heading toward the three islands. From there, the drugs can continue their journey to European markets.

The investigation indicates that the ELN has strengthened its position in Colombia's Catatumbo region, one of the country's most important coca-growing areas. Military pressure from Colombian authorities has contributed to the relocation of some of the group's operations to Venezuelan territory.

InSight Crime also describes a collaborative relationship between the ELN and certain sectors of the Venezuelan authorities, where corruption and protection payments facilitate criminal activities.

For Aruba, these findings are particularly relevant because of its geographical proximity to Venezuela and its position as a maritime and aviation connection point with Europe. The information highlights the risks that international drug trafficking networks pose to border security and cargo inspections.

However, the investigation does not identify any specific individuals, companies, or organizations in Aruba as participants in the ELN's operations. Nor does it provide figures on the quantity of cocaine passing through Aruba.

The investigation emphasizes how the ELN's expansion into Venezuela is strengthening an international drug trafficking corridor in which Aruba and the other ABC islands are identified as potential transit points toward Europe.