Top Drug Kingpin Marset Arrested in Bolivia

Marset (News Central TV) Marset (News Central TV)
Top drug kingpin Marset arrested in Bolivia. Credit: Reuters

Infamous drug trafficker Sebastián Marset was apprehended by Bolivian authorities early Friday morning during a massive police operation in the city of Santa Cruz.

Marset, who has evaded law enforcement across Latin America for years, was a high-priority target on the U.S. most-wanted list with a $2 million bounty on his head.

Following the raid, which involved hundreds of officers and resulted in four additional arrests, Marset was reportedly transported to an international airport and placed on a U.S.-registered aircraft.

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Known as the “King of the South,” Marset gained notoriety not only for his massive cocaine shipments but also for his unusual method of laundering money through professional soccer.

He frequently purchased or sponsored lower-level teams in Latin America and Europe, even forcing his way into starting lineups.

Marset (News Central TV)
Top drug kingpin Marset arrested in Bolivia. Credit: Reuters

Reports indicate he often wore the prestigious number 10 jersey and played with such a fearsome reputation that referees were reportedly too intimidated to penalise him for fouls on the pitch.

Beyond his sports-related exploits, Marset was a central figure in a Paraguayan investigation involving the seizure of over 16 tonnes of cocaine, including a record-breaking haul in Belgium.

Authorities also uncovered disturbing evidence of his criminal activities, including communications where he sought advice on disposing of the bodies of his rivals.

While Paraguay has expressed interest in extraditing him, officials believe he is more likely to face trial in the United States for money laundering and international narcotics trafficking.

Author

  • Abisoye Adeyiga

    Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.

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