Reporters Regina Garcia Cano and Juan Arraez took significant risks to uncover the stories of men aboard boats blown up by the U.S. military in Venezuela’s Paria Peninsula. In a collaboration between Latin America and Global Investigations, the journalists worked discreetly, building trust with residents who feared gang retaliation or government punishment.
The Trump administration had claimed that the boats carried narcotics bound for the U.S. and were crewed by narco-terrorists and cartel members. Through interviews and field investigation, Garcia Cano and Arraez verified the identities of several crewmen, revealing a more nuanced reality. While the men were involved in drug trafficking, locals insisted they were not narco-terrorists or cartel leaders.
The reporting highlighted the economic desperation in the region, contextualizing the crewmen’s actions without judgment. One notable story included a local crime boss who, despite his illegal activities, had invested in the local economy and contributed to community events.
The investigative piece included text, video, and illustrations by Peter Hamlin, along with graphics by Anika Seth. Garcia Cano also provided a Q&A sidebar detailing the challenges faced during the risky assignment.
Judges praised the reporting for its bravery and depth. One noted, “Incredible investigative work, did not pull punches about what we learned.” For their courageous efforts, Garcia Cano and Arraez were named Best of the Week – First Winner.
This investigation sheds light on Venezuela’s complex social and economic realities, showing that the truth behind sensational claims is often far more intricate than headlines suggest.
