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