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Day: September 16, 2025
Venezuela Rejects U.S. Drug Trafficking Report
On September 16, 2025, the Government of Venezuela emphatically rejected a report from the U.S. Department of State that claims the country is a significant transit point for illicit drugs. The Venezuelan presidential statement criticized Washington’s assertion as an illegitimate self-appointment as the world’s judge and police, reports 24brussels.
The Venezuelan government contends that the accusations are unfounded and contradict data from international organizations. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Venezuela has consistently been certified as a territory free from illicit crop production since 1999. The statement underscores that there are no drug cartels or processing centers operating within its borders.
Additionally, the Venezuelan presidency pointed to historical trends indicating that cocaine production has predominantly risen in Colombia since the initiation of Plan Colombia in 2009, which led to the establishment of U.S. military bases in the region. Reports suggest that 87% of cocaine exports from Colombia are routed through the Pacific Ocean, with only 5% passing through Venezuelan territory, according to UNODC forecasts for 2025.
The Bolivarian government’s anti-drug trafficking efforts have reportedly intercepted 70% of drugs attempting to transit through Venezuela. The statement from the presidency labeled the recent narrative against Venezuela as a “shameful lie,” asserting that official data from various agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, support its position.
The Venezuelan government also described the U.S. criticisms as part of an ongoing “regime change” strategy targeting Venezuela, which it views as an attack on the nation’s sovereignty. Furthermore, the statement included a warning against the potential for military aggression stemming from the U.S. narrative, calling for international cooperation to handle such issues rather than unilateral actions.
In response to the escalating tension, President Nicolás Maduro urged the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) to convene an urgent meeting focused on regional sovereignty and peace amid the growing presence of U.S. military forces in the area.
Venezuela reaffirmed its commitment to defending its sovereignty and integrity through all available means, demanding an end to what it terms “aggressions and lies” against its people. The Venezuelan presidency concluded by emphasizing adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter in safeguarding national interests.