Venezuela Claims U.S. Caribbean Military Presence Favors Drug Traffickers

Venezuelas negotiator Jorge Rodríguez claims that the United States military presence in the Caribbean Sea facilitates the illegal drug trade, which predominantly occurs via the Pacific Ocean.

• On October 14, 2023, Jorge Rodríguez, the chief negotiator for Venezuela, stated that the United States military deployment in the Caribbean Sea allows narcotraffickers to operate freely.
• Rodríguez emphasized that the illegal drug trade is primarily conducted by traffickers using routes across the Pacific Ocean, suggesting U.S. actions undermine Venezuelas sovereignty.
• The Venezuelan government views the United States military presence as a threat to democracy in the region, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations regarding drug trafficking.