The term “Aruba cartel” likely refers to the historical involvement of the 

Cuntrera-Caruana Mafia clan with Aruba in the 1990s, which included significant investments and alleged influence, and the more recent drug trafficking activities of various cartels, including the Cartel of the Suns, that use the island as a trans-shipment point. Aruba is a trans-shipment hub for cocaine moving to the United States, and the Cuntrera-Caruana clan reportedly built a large presence on the island through investments in hotels and casinos. 

Cuntrera-Caruana Mafia clan 

• In the 1990s, the Italian Cuntrera-Caruana clan reportedly owned 60% of Aruba and was involved in politics through investments in hotels, casinos, and political campaigns.
• While the claim of Aruba becoming a “mafia state” was exaggerated, the clan’s influence was significant enough for its leaders to be convicted of crimes.
• The clan’s leaders, Pasquale, Gaspare, and Paolo Cuntrera, were convicted in Italy, but Pasquale escaped prison briefly before being recaptured. 

Modern drug cartels

• Aruba remains a trans-shipment point for illegal drugs, primarily cocaine, destined for the United States.
• The Cartel of the Suns, which is alleged to be headed by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, is one of the criminal groups that uses the region, including Aruba, for drug trafficking activities.