Venezuelans began using the term 'Cartel de los Soles' in the 1990s to refer to high-ranking military officers who had grown wealthy from drug trafficking.
January 01, 1990
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historical
Etymology and early usage of the term within Venezuela.
The phrase 'suns' in the name 'Cartel de los Soles' refers to the epaulettes worn on the uniforms of high-ranking military officers.
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definitional
Explanation of the symbolic origin of the group's name.
The term 'Cartel de los Soles' has been used more broadly to refer to police and government officials and to illicit activities such as illegal mining and fuel trafficking as corruption expanded nationwide in Venezuela.
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historical
Evolution of the umbrella term to encompass a wider set of actors and illicit activities.