Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have reached a critical level. The presence of US warships and troops in the Caribbean Sea has added further fuel to the fire. The US government cites drug trafficking and allegations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as the reasons for its actions. The US has increased the reward for Maduro’s arrest, accusing him of involvement with drug cartels.
While the US has not announced any plans for a military invasion, the two countries have a long history of conflict. Additionally, the US has not recognized Maduro’s electoral wins. This raises questions as to whether the emphasis on drugs is a genuine concern or simply a cover.
United Nations data indicates that the primary producers of cocaine are Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Colombia alone accounts for a substantial portion of the global cocaine supply. Venezuela is neither a major producer of cocaine nor a significant transit country for drug trafficking.
Data on drug seizures support this view, showing much larger seizures in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama, with Venezuela’s share being minimal.
The US claims that around 250 tons of cocaine pass through Venezuela annually. While significant, this amount is small compared to the global production. The question then becomes: why is the US not concentrating military pressure on the primary drug-producing nations?
The Maduro government maintains that it is actively fighting against drugs. It has seized numerous vessels and aircraft involved in trafficking, but these claims lack independent verification. However, it is known that some individuals linked to Maduro’s family have been convicted of drug trafficking in US courts, which suggests a level of corruption.
While drug trafficking does exist in Venezuela, available international data does not position the country as a central player in this illicit trade. The key question is: what is the true motivation behind the US’s military pressure? One theory suggests that the US seeks to instigate a coup and oust the Maduro government. Maduro himself accuses the US of plotting regime change.
Throughout Latin America, the US has been accused of meddling in governments. Historical evidence reveals instances of US involvement in secret and open military actions in multiple countries, resulting in coups and the overthrow of governments.