Illegal drug trade in Venezuela
Illegal drug trade in Venezuela refers to the practice of illegal drug trade in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Historically Venezuela has been the path to illegal drug trade originated in Colombia. Since the late 1990s, the government of Hugo Chavez has been uncooperative to drug enforcement agencies associated to the United States. A 2008 report by the United Nations denoted the increase on illegal trade of cocaine through Venezuela since 2002.[1]
The government of Hugo Chavez created the "National Anti-Drug Office" or Oficina Nacional Antidrogas (ONA) to combat the illegal drug trade without helping or cooperating with other international agencies; primarily United States (DEA) and Colombian (DAS) agencies.
The governments of the United States and Colombia have accused the government of Hugo Chavez of supporting, harboring and training members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia which are proven to be directly involved in the international illegal drug and arms trafficking black market. According to Revista Semana, high profile members of the Venezuela government and military are involved in the illegal drug trade.[2] The magazine accused the director of the Dirección General de Inteligencia Militar (Dgim), Venezuelan agency in charge of Military Intelligence of being in charge of such operation.[3]
President Chavez has also promoted on life television the consumption of the coca leaf, from which cocaine derives, arguing that is part of the indigenous peoples of America tradition.[4][5] Supporters of the Chavez administration have argued that the government had been combating the illegal drug trade.[6]
Statistics
See also
References
External links
- Oficina Nacional Anti-drogas (Venezuela Anti-drug Agency)