Stella Marina Lugo Betancourt

Stella Marina Lugo Betancourt is a Venezuelan politician closely associated with the regime of Nicolás Maduro. Known for her controversial tenure as the governor of Falcón state from 2008 to 2017, she has faced serious allegations of involvement in drug trafficking operations linked to the Cartel of the Suns, a group declared a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Lugo's political career rose through the ranks of the Bolivarian project, gaining notoriety for alleged corruption and the deterioration of public services during her administration. In December 2024, she was appointed as Venezuela's ambassador to Mexico, prompting renewed scrutiny from opposition figures who recall her dubious governance.