Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, the country’s largest criminal organization with approximately 9,000 members, has undergone a leadership reshuffle following the death of a key figure, raising questions about the group’s ongoing peace talks with the Colombian government. The restructuring comes as the cartel continues negotiations with the National Government in Doha, Qatar.
Police and prosecutors are tracking the internal reorganization within the drug trafficking cartel.
José Gonzalo Sánchez Sánchez, known as “Gonzalito,” reportedly died January 31, 2026, in a river accident after falling from a boat in Tierralta, Córdoba.
Sánchez was one of the group’s longest-serving leaders, having worked alongside Dairo Úsuga David (“Otoniel”), who is currently extradited to the United States.
On February 7, the group’s leadership, internally referred to as the joint high command, released a video criticizing the government. The criticism stemmed from President Gustavo Petro’s offer to the United States, during a meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, to jointly pursue Jobanis Ávila Villadiego (“Chiquito Malo”), the current commander of the Clan del Golfo.
Luis Armando Pérez Castañeda (“Bruno” or “Jerónimo”), the group’s political spokesperson and leader of the Doha talks, delivered the message in the video. He confirmed that Orosman Orlando Ostén Blanco (“Rodrigo Flechas”), previously third in command, is the new subcommander.
Ostén Blanco currently has a suspended arrest warrant, having been designated a peace facilitator by the government. He previously belonged to the Centauros block of the AUC (2005), operating in the Eastern Plains, and is allegedly involved in managing drug trafficking routes originating from the Caribbean Coast.
Two New Leaders Join Clan del Golfo’s Command
Investigators noted the addition of two new leaders to the Clan del Golfo’s inner circle, who appeared armed with rifles and in uniform alongside other commanders in the recent video.
Wilmar Mejía Úsuga, also known as “Richard,” “Deivy,” or “58,” is now fourth in command. He worked with the FARC until 2012, defected, and joined the Clan del Golfo in Urabá in 2015. Authorities have linked him to multiple attacks against police in western Antioquia, as well as attacks on contractors for the Continental Gold mining company between 2016 and 2018.
He previously led the Edwin Román front and now commands the Central Urabá Block, controlling more than 1,000 fighters.
The other new addition to the Clan del Golfo’s leadership is reportedly José Alberto Vega Albarán (“Flaco Monseñor”), who commanded the Pablo Montalvo front in Chocó. According to police sources, he is responsible for clashes with the ELN in that department, as both groups compete for control of river and sea routes used for cocaine transport and export.
He is believed to have replaced José Miguel Demoya Hernández (“Chirimoya”), who was killed in a police operation in Córdoba on April 5, 2025.
The cartel’s leadership structure now consists of “Chiquito Malo,” “Rodrigo Flechas,” “el Cura,” “Richard,” and “Flaco Monseñor,” with “Bruno” serving as spokesperson and political leader. The changes underscore the ongoing fluidity within the organization even as it engages in peace negotiations.
