Sebastián Marset, a prominent Uruguayan drug trafficker, was arrested in Santa Cruz de la Sierra following three years as a fugitive.
Bolivian and Paraguayan law enforcement officers conducted the joint operation, seizing undisclosed amounts of cash and a ledger documenting cocaine shipments and money-laundering activities.
The U.S. Department of State had offered a $2 million reward for information leading to Marset’s capture, reflecting international recognition of the threat posed by his criminal organization.
The arrest may impact regional efforts to dismantle transnational drug networks and disrupt trafficking routes through South America.
Key Takeaways
Arrest of Uruguayan Drug Kingpin Sebastián Marset
Sebastián Marset, a Uruguayan drug kingpin, was captured on March 13, 2026, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, by joint Bolivian-Paraguayan forces. U.S. agents assumed custody following the raid. The U.S. State Department had offered a $2 million reward for information leading to his capture.
The operation recovered concealed cash, high-end vehicles, and weapons. A seized ledger documented a €17 million debt stemming from a 2021 cocaine shipment.
The case connects to a money-laundering scheme involving Federico Santoro Vassallo, who transferred $8 million through U.S. banks. This network is linked to 16 tons of cocaine seized in Europe.
Multiple jurisdictions claim authority over the case. Bolivia, Paraguay, and the United States maintain competing extradition claims. Ongoing investigations are examining transnational cash-movement networks associated with the operation.
Marset’s Montevideo Arrest
The hunt for Sebastián Marset, the Uruguayan drug lord sought throughout the Southern Cone, concluded on March 13, 2026, during a high-stakes raid in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. After three years of evading authorities, Bolivian forces, supported by Paraguayan officials, apprehended the operator of a cocaine-smuggling network that distributed narcotics to Europe and channeled millions in illicit proceeds through U.S. financial institutions. The arrest has sparked competing claims for jurisdiction among Paraguay, the United States, and Bolivia regarding trial and extradition proceedings. A $2 million reward offered by the U.S. State Department reflects international commitment to dismantling the criminal organization. U.S. agents took custody of Marset after the arrest.
Caught With Hidden Cash
SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA , Authorities seized cash and weapons during a 2023 raid on a luxury mansion owned by drug trafficker Sebastián Marset. The operation uncovered bundles of money concealed in walls and floorboards, along with an arsenal of firearms.
Investigators traced the funds to a money-laundering scheme orchestrated by Federico Santoro Vassallo. Vassallo moved $8 million through U.S. banks in less than five months and laundered €5 million from a cocaine shipment in January 2021. The shipment, valued at €17 million, was part of a network that smuggled up to 10 tons of cocaine per consignment across Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Europe.
The raid resulted in the seizure of high-end vehicles at Marset’s Las Palmas residence and cash hidden on the property. Police officers involved in the operation were briefly kidnapped after the suspects fled.
U.S. authorities filed an indictment for money laundering and offered a $2 million reward for Marset’s arrest or conviction. The case is linked to 16 tons of cocaine seized in Europe under Operation A Ultranza Py, including an 11-ton shipment at Antwerp in April 2021 and a 4.7-ton seizure in Paraguay.
The investigation has revealed a transnational cash-movement network that funneled drug proceeds from Europe to South America using threats of violence to protect operations. Interpol issued a red notice for Marset’s apprehension. Bolivia announced a $100,000 reward in August 2023 for information leading to his capture. Marset was captured by FELCN in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
Marset’s Secret Ledger Exposed
After the raid uncovered hidden cash and weapons, investigators examined papers discovered in a desk drawer. The ledger documented financial transactions totaling millions of euros from a cocaine shipment in January 2021. It recorded a €17 million debt, with €5 million transferred through U.S. banks. Federico “Capitan” Santoro Vassallo, a close associate, directed an $8 million flow within five months, establishing connections to a money laundering network spanning Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Europe. The evidence demonstrates the cartel’s methods: cash concealment, use of threats, and extraction of fees from bulk proceeds. These findings provide courts with substantive proof necessary to dismantle the operation and support efforts toward greater institutional integrity. The DEA has offered a $2 million reward for information leading to Marset’s capture.
References
- https://en.mercopress.com/2026/03/13/uruguayan-fugitive-sebastian-marset-captured-in-bolivia-and-placed-in-u.s.-custody
- https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/alleged-international-drug-trafficker-indicted-prolific-uruguayan-money-launderer
- https://uy.usembassy.gov/marset_en/
- https://www.state.gov/sebastian-marset
- https://english.elpais.com/international/2026-03-13/the-fall-of-sebastian-marset-the-uruguayan-kingpin-on-the-deas-mostwanted-list.html
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/fugitive-king-of-the-south-comes-out-of-hiding-for-tv-interview/
- https://www.dea.gov/stories/2025/2025-05/2025-05-21/wanted-sebastian-marset-added-dea-fugitives-list
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/drug-kingpin-wanted-us-arrested-bolivia-american-plane/
- https://wkzo.com/2026/03/13/uruguayan-alleged-cartel-leader-marset-arrested-in-bolivia/
