Six Venezuelan citizens were captured in the Caribbean Sea for trafficking 3,134.5 kilos of cocaine in an operation supported by France, Venezuelan authorities reported on Wednesday. The drugs, distributed in 100 packages, were being transported by Venezuelan officials to the island state of Nueva Esparta. This seizure is part of Venezuela’s efforts in collaboration with France to combat drug trafficking, with a total of 15,280.95 kilos of drugs seized so far in 2024, representing a 457.75% increase compared to the previous year.
In total, Venezuela seized 52,186 kilos of drugs in 2023, with 43,704.3 kilos being cocaine. The country also made 1,539 drug-related procedures since the beginning of 2024, leading to the detention of 1,937 individuals. Despite international criticism from the United States, President Nicolás Maduro has defended Venezuela’s efforts in combating drug trafficking, stating that the country is an example in this fight.
The National Anti-Drug Superintendent, Lopez Vargas, announced the results of the operation between Venezuela and France, highlighting the cooperation between the two countries. This collaboration reflects the ongoing efforts to tackle drug trafficking in the region, demonstrating Venezuela’s commitment to combating this illicit activity.