The relationship between the United States and Venezuela is highly strained, with the US military presence in the Caribbean Sea heightening the situation. The US cites drug trafficking and accusations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as justification for its actions. The US has offered a substantial reward for Maduro’s arrest, alleging his involvement with drug cartels.
Despite the US’s denial of immediate military action, long-standing tensions and the US’s refusal to acknowledge Maduro’s electoral victories raise questions. Doubts persist about whether the drug issue is the primary driver of the US’s actions.
United Nations data highlights that Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are the primary locations for coca cultivation and cocaine production. Colombia alone accounts for over two-thirds of global cocaine output. Venezuela is not a significant producer or transit country.
Drug seizure data further supports this perspective, with greater quantities of drugs seized in countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama, and Venezuela accounting for a minimal share of seizures.
The US claims that approximately 250 tons of cocaine transit Venezuela annually, which is small compared to overall global production, but not negligible. This raises the question of why the US is not focusing its military pressure on nations where the bulk of drug production occurs.
The Maduro government insists it is actively combating drugs, seizing trafficking-related assets. These claims have not been independently verified. However, individuals linked to Maduro’s family have been convicted of drug trafficking in US courts, suggesting corruption may be present.
Considering the available international data, Venezuela’s role in global drug trade seems limited. This prompts the question of why the US is targeting Venezuela. One theory suggests the US is attempting to facilitate a regime change. Maduro himself accuses the US of plotting to overthrow his government through military pressure.
This is not the first instance of the US being accused of interfering in Latin American governments. Historical records show the US has a history of covert operations that led to the toppling of numerous governments.