The Minister of Interior, Justice, and Peace of Venezuela, Diosdado Cabello, stated this Tuesday that in the early days of 2026, security forces have seized more than 7,148 kilograms of drugs in various operations against drug trafficking and organized crime.
"On January 13, we have 7,148 kilograms of seized drugs," Cabello stated during a press conference broadcast by the state channel teleSUR.
It was highlighted that the operations took place mainly in the Catatumbo and in the binational peace zone with Colombia. According to the details provided, three individuals were arrested during these actions, in which 75 packages of marijuana and an additional 39 kilos with 450 grams of the same substance were also seized.
The Chavista leader took the opportunity to highlight the work of the police and military forces, asserting that the country “maintains a constant fight against drug trafficking.”
Cabello emphasized that Venezuela “has always been a place with a very small percentage of drug trafficking,” insisting that the main laboratories and distribution routes “are located in Colombia and Ecuador.”
"Last year we achieved a record seizure, the largest since we severed ties with the DEA, with nearly 70 tons of drugs confiscated in various operations."
"This demonstrates the commitment of our institutions," Cabello stated, emphasizing the "popular-military-police fusion" that, according to him, makes these results possible.
The high-ranking official also categorically denied the existence of the 'Cartel de los Soles', an alleged drug trafficking network that various international investigations —including those from the United States and European organizations— have linked to high-ranking Venezuelan military officials, although it was excluded from the accusations against Nicolás Maduro in New York.
"The Cartel of the Suns has never existed, and it is not an argument for the United States' attack on Venezuela; the argument is oil," Cabello said in a defiant tone.
The new statement from the second most powerful man in Chavismo comes amid growing scrutiny regarding the regime's anti-drug operations, as well as the alleged connections between military officials and international cocaine trafficking.
Washington has maintained active sanctions against several high-ranking Venezuelan officials accused of drug trafficking and money laundering, and used this issue as a rallying point in the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro on January 3.
Analysts agree that the recent statements aim to project an image of internal control and international cooperation, right when the country is going through a political transition following the capture of Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in early January.
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