UPDATE: One of South America’s Most Notorious Alleged Drug Traffickers is now in U.S. Custody
DEA Headquarters
The hunt is over. This week, Bolivian law enforcement captured Sebastián Enrique Marset Cabrera, transferring custody to DEA Agents, who escorted him to the U.S. following his expulsion from Bolivia.
Described as a ‘modern day Pablo Escobar’, Marset will face justice in the United States for his alleged crimes.
“Nearly one year ago, DEA added Sebastián Marset to its Most Wanted Fugitive List with a commitment to relentlessly pursue and dismantle his drug trafficking organization. Today, DEA agents escorted Marset to the United States where he will now face charges connected to cocaine trafficking and money laundering. This arrest marks a significant step towards a safer, more secure America. DEA is focused on disrupting transnational criminal organizations and strengthening national security by targeting drug traffickers at every level – including leaders responsible for moving drugs and illicit proceeds across borders, and for using violence and murder to further their global operations. This weekend’s actions reflect the dedication of the men and women of DEA and the power of strong partnerships. We are grateful for Bolivian law enforcement’s assistance in capturing Marset. DEA’s renewed focus on partnerships and global enforcement efforts continue to deliver results for Americans.”
DEA Administrator Terrance Cole
May 21, 2025
WANTED: Sebastian Marset Added to DEA Fugitives List
The hunt continues for one of South America’s most notorious drug traffickers.
Today the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) added Sebastián Enrique Marset Cabrera to its Most Wanted Fugitives List as it continues to investigate his alleged drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
An indictment unsealed in the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges Marset leads a large-scale drug trafficking organization that is believed to be responsible for moving ton quantities of cocaine from South America to Europe, while generating tens of millions in cash and proceeds.
The 29-year-old’s transnational criminal organization is believed to have trafficked cocaine in Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and elsewhere. The indictment also alleges Marset used United States financial institutions to launder millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
A close associate of Marset’s, Federico Ezequiel Santoro Vassallo, awaits his sentencing after pleading guilty to a money laundering conspiracy that involved millions of dollars of drug-trafficking proceeds.
In a span of less than five months, Santora directed the movement of at least $8 million in drug-trafficking funds through U.S. banks. In January 2021, Marset was allegedly owed more than €17 million from the proceeds of a single shipment of cocaine. Santoro arranged the collection and laundering of at least €5 million of those funds, the vast majority of which was laundered using the U.S. banking system. Marset is believed to threaten violence in order to protect his enterprise.
DEA is aggressively pursuing its investigation into Marset’s drug trafficking organization and encourages anyone with information about his operation, including his drug trafficking, money laundering, and use of (or threats to use) violence, or about his whereabouts, to contact email at MarsetTips@dea.gov. Identities are kept strictly confidential.
In coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, the Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) has just announced a $2 million reward for information leading to Marset’s arrest and conviction. This is in addition to a $100,000 reward in Bolivia, which authorities announced in 2023.
