Diosdado Cabello Rondón, Vice President for Politics, Citizen Security, and Peace, reported this Thursday that Venezuelan state security forces have dealt a severe blow to drug trafficking, criminal gangs, and conspirators grouped under the «NARCOBAND” denomination. So far this year, more than 50 tons of drugs have been seized, significantly impacting the finances of these criminal organizations.
During a press conference, Cabello explained that anti-narcotics operations have led to the seizure of 52,000 kilograms of drugs, representing a major setback for criminal structures seeking to destabilize the country. These actions are part of an integral strategy to curb the financing of groups that combine drug trafficking, conspiracy, and violence with the aim of generating chaos in Venezuela.
The vice president denounced that sectors of the Venezuelan ultra-right wing have established alliances with drug traffickers and criminal gangs to impose violence, with the intention of forcing a change of government and overthrowing the president Nicolás Maduro. According to Cabello, these groups believe that, through terror, they can put an end to the Bolivarian Revolution, but the security forces have managed to disrupt their plans.
For months, the Venezuelan government has warned about the formation of a «criminal legion» made up of drug traffickers, conspirators, and criminal gangs. This network has even been acknowledged by some opposition sectors, which demonstrates its existence and danger. Authorities have managed to identify and capture several of its members, while others have fled the country.
The high officer noted that several members of these gangs have found refuge in countries such as Colombia, where they have received protection from former presidents Iván Duque, Álvaro Uribe, Andrés Pastrana, and Juan Manuel Santos. These accusations are part of a series of allegations about the internationalization of organized crime and its use for political purposes against Venezuela.
Cabello criticized the international community for ignoring the Venezuelan government’s efforts in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime. He stated that, while Venezuela works for peace, there are external sectors that support those seeking to destabilize the country and destroy the peace of its citizens.
The Venezuelan government reaffirms its commitment to citizen security and the fight against drug trafficking. The seizure of more than 50 tons of drugs so far this year demonstrates the effectiveness of the operations, but also reveals the magnitude of the challenge. Authorities remain on alert to dismantle any attempt at violence or conspiracy against the country’s stability.