Colombians have an entire language to describe the country’s many criminal groups and their activities. Here’s a few of the most common…
Capo: Title given to the boss, same as in the Italian mafia
Cocina: Literally, kitchen, the place where the coca base is prepared.
Combo: A criminal gang, typically operating in a poor barrio, or “comuna”.
Lavadero: A business or other means to “clean” money obtained through crime.
Lavaperros: “Dog washer” – The capo’s point man, who does his biding.
Lugarteniente: Lieutenant, the boss’ right hand man.
Narcotraficante: Person dealing in drugs. The expression is usually used for those higher up in the criminal hierarchy, or to describe the organization as a whole.
Narcopolitica: The business of corrupt politicians aiding and abetting drug lords.
Oficina de Envigado: The infamous murderers for hire organization that originated in Envigado, a suburb of Medellìn.
Paraco: Paramilitary. Most have re-emerged in the drug trade, this after being offered immunity and assistance by the government for surrendering themselves. Many have been murdered by their former bosses.
Parillero: Literally, the one handling the barbecue. Describes the passenger on the motorcycle who does the shooting.
Sicario: Assassin. Usually a couple of guys on a high cylinder motorcycle. Sicariato: the business of murdering for money.
Testaferro: A third party who appears as the legal owner of a narcotraficante’s property, hiding the real ownership from the authorities.
Traquete/traqueto: A minor drug trafficker. Often used to mock drug dealers who display their wealth in garish ways.
Tumbao: The very dead victim of a Sicario