The Dark Side of Colombia Few People Know

Dairo Antonio Úsuga, known as “Otoniel,” was Colombia’s most wanted drug lord before his capture and extradition to the U.S. in 2022. He’s now serving a 45-year sentence—but his criminal network, the Gulf Clan, remains active and profitable.

Authorities say the group operates like a corporation, with local commanders managing routes and money laundering operations. Even without its leader, the cartel continues to dominate parts of the country. Otoniel’s imprisonment proved symbolic, but it didn’t dismantle the empire he built.