José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto (born 1949), commonly known as “Bubo,” is a former Chief of Staff of the Navy of Guinea-Bissau and one of the most controversial military figures in West African history. A veteran of the independence struggle, he became infamous globally when he was captured by the U.S. DEA in a high-seas sting operation in 2013. As of Christmas Day 2025, he is back in Bissau and recently regained his freedom following years of pretrial detention.
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Key Biographical Information
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | José Américo Bubo Na Tchuto |
| Born | June 12, 1949, Incalá, Guinea-Bissau |
| Rank | Rear-Admiral (Navy) |
| Former Office | Chief of Staff of the Navy |
| US Legal Status | Convicted in NY (2014) for drug trafficking; served 4 years. |
| Current Status | Released under supervision (since September 2025). |
| Key Allegation | Mastermind of the February 1, 2022, coup attempt. |
The DEA Sting and “Kingpin” Designation
Bubo Na Tchuto’s name became a global symbol of the “narco-state” during the early 2010s.
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The Capture (2013): In a dramatic operation, U.S. DEA agents posing as FARC rebels lured Bubo onto a boat in international waters off the coast of West Africa. He was arrested, flown to New York, and charged with conspiring to import multi-ton quantities of cocaine into the United States.
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The “Kingpin” Label: He was officially designated a Drug Kingpin by the U.S. Treasury Department. After pleading guilty, he served a four-year sentence and was deported back to Guinea-Bissau in 2016.
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The 2022 Coup and Prolonged Detention
His return to Bissau was marked by a descent back into political chaos.
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February 1, 2022: President Umaro Sissoco Embaló accused Bubo Na Tchuto of being the mastermind behind a violent coup attempt that left 11 people dead. Bubo was arrested along with several associates.
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Pretrial Limbo (2022–2025): Bubo spent over three years in detention without a formal trial. His case became a lightning rod for criticism of the Bissau-Guinean judicial system, with his lawyers arguing that his detention was unlawful and politically motivated.
Current Status (Late 2025)
As of December 25, 2025, Bubo Na Tchuto is currently out of prison but still under the shadow of the law.
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Court-Ordered Release (Sept 2025): On September 3, 2025, the Superior Military Court finally ordered his release. The court cited the illegality of his prolonged detention without charges. He was released under “coercive measures,” meaning he cannot leave the country and must report to authorities regularly.
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Trial Delays (Dec 2025): His separate trial for the 2022 coup was scheduled to resume in late 2025 but has faced significant delays. On December 18, 2025, his lawyer revealed that the trial is currently stalled because the Superior Military Court lacks a quorum of judges, after one of the panel members was reassigned to the General Staff.
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The 2025 Coup Context: Unlike the “Old Guard” generals like Biagué Na N’Tan, who were arrested during the November 26, 2025, coup, Bubo appears to have remained on the sidelines of the most recent power shift. The new military junta has not moved to re-arrest him, as he is no longer seen as a direct threat to the current transitional leadership.
Professional Profile
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The Resilience of “Bubo”: Despite international convictions and multiple domestic arrests, Bubo Na Tchuto remains a highly influential figure among the military’s lower ranks and the Balanta ethnic group.
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Health and Age: Now 76 years old, Bubo has reportedly suffered from various health complications during his recent years in prison, which contributed to his legal team’s successful push for his release on humanitarian and procedural grounds.