Security boosted in border region where drug kingpin "Jabón" was killed

Vincent Bevins writes: Authorities announced Friday that security would be beefed up in the region where drug kingpin "Jabón" was killed this week. The director of the ONA (Anti-drug agency), Néstor Luis Reverol, confirmed his death near the Colombian border, in southwest Venezuela.

The increased security comes in response to fears that his death may de-stabilize the region by leading to counter-assassinations or power struggles.

The governor of Colombian department of the Valley, Juan Carlos Abadía, said that "We are going to mount various operations, controls, in the face of possible differences or struggles for power by the second and third in command in that criminal organization."

Colombian media has suggested that "Soap" was killed by two men under his own command ... he was one of the most powerful drug lords in the world, and wanted by several countries.
The border region has recently been a point of controversy and crisis for several regions, including kidnappings, and food smuggling.

Authorities have announced success in fighting drug trafficking in 2008, but the death of Varela is likely unrelated. It may actually make the situation worse.

Venezuelan authorities have also announced that Venezuela would coordinate with Colombia for the repatriation of his body.

Vincent Bevins
vbevins@gmail.com