Notorious Uruguayan Drug Lord Sebastián Marset Apprehended in Bolivia

Sebastián Marset, identified as Uruguay's most prominent drug trafficker and the alleged architect of the First Uruguayan Cartel (PCU), has been captured in Bolivia. The operation, which took place on March 13, 2026, was reportedly bolstered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), leading to Marset's immediate transfer into U.S. custody. Marset's criminal enterprise extended beyond drug trafficking and money laundering, with alleged connections to international criminal organizations including Paraguay's Insfrán Clan, Brazil's First Capital Command (PCC), and Italy's 'Ndrangheta. His network is also implicated in several homicides, notably the 2022 assassination of Paraguayan anti-mafia prosecutor Marcelo Pecci.

Marset's involvement in illicit activities dates back to at least 2012, when he was linked to a significant marijuana shipment. After serving a five-year prison sentence in Uruguay, he reportedly leveraged his time to forge connections with PCC members. Upon his release in 2018, Marset began expanding his network across the region, establishing a base in Paraguay by 2019. There, he allegedly utilized legitimate businesses like Total Cars for money laundering and even pursued ventures in concert promotion, music production, and professional football. His ability to evade authorities was highlighted by his 2021 detention in Dubai, where he was apprehended using a falsified Paraguayan passport, a situation that subsequently triggered a significant political scandal in Uruguay due to the government's role in facilitating his travel.