Venezuela has deployed 15,000 security personnel on its border with Colombia to strengthen anti-drug trafficking efforts, amid US accusations that President Nicolás Maduro runs a criminal cartel. Meanwhile, three US missile-equipped destroyers are stationed in international waters off Venezuela, with Washington stating their intent to conduct operations against international drug trafficking. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced the operational reinforcement in the Zulia and Táchira states, reporting the seizure of 52.7 tons of drugs since the start of the year, representing 70-80% of the total passing through Venezuela. The US accuses Maduro and close officials, including Cabello, of leading the ‘Los Soles’ cartel, listed as a terrorist organization by the US, offering rewards of $50 million and $25 million respectively for information leading to their capture.

Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine producer, with a record production of approximately 2,600 tons in 2023, a 53% increase from the previous year, and a 10% expansion in coca cultivation areas to 253,000 hectares.