The Southern District Court of New York, led by Judge Vernon S. Broderick, has scheduled the sentencing hearing for Carlos Orense Azócar on October 8, 2025. The original date, set for August 11, was postponed at the request of the prosecution due to scheduling conflicts.
Background of the Trial
Orense Azócar was convicted on December 12, 2023, after a 12-day trial, on the following charges:
- Conspiracy to traffick over 5 kilograms of cocaine into the United States
- Possession and use of machine guns to promote his criminal network
- Conspiracy to possess military-grade weapons
The evidence presented included the seizure of 990 kg of cocaine in 2016, testimonies from cooperators, and the description of an air and maritime transport network that operated for nearly two decades with protection from Venezuelan officials.
Possible Sentences and Criminal Risks
According to U.S. federal laws:
- The drug trafficking charge could carry a life sentence.
- The charge of possession of machine guns has a mandatory minimum of 30 consecutive years.
- The third charge could add more years, potentially leading to a sentence of life + 30 years.
Impact on the Cártel de los Soles
The conviction of Orense Azócar represents a significant blow to the logistical operations of the Cártel de los Soles, a criminal network linked to high-ranking military and political officials of the Venezuelan regime. This case reflects how the United States can prosecute and sentence leaders of transnational cartels, even when they operate under government protection.
Next Steps
Until the hearing in October, neither the prosecution nor the defense anticipates any further public hearings. Judge Broderick’s final decision could set one of the most severe precedents in the fight against Venezuelan drug trafficking.
Case Summary
Sentencing Date: October 8, 2025
Charges: drug trafficking, use of machine guns, and conspiracy
Possible Sentence: life + 30 years
Relevance: Key blow to the Cártel de los Soles
Carlos Orense Azócar
Cártel de los Soles
drug trafficking sentencing Venezuela
trial Southern District New York
drug trafficking weapons U.S.
life sentence Venezuelan drug trafficker