The Venezuelan Ambassador strongly rejected an allegation made in an Observer comment piece that the Venezuelan government is linked to drug smuggling.

In a letter published in The Observer on the 18th of December, Ambassador Samuel Moncada drew attention to Venezuela’s 2,000-mile border with Colombia – the world’s primary source of cocaine – and its proximity to the US – the world’s largest cocaine importer remarking “it is hardly surprising that there is a problem of drugs passing through Venezuela to user countries en route from Colombia”.  

The Ambassador also highlighted that drugs passing through Venezuela does not link President Chavez to drug smuggling “any more than Great Britain under David Cameron is linked to drug importation, given Britain’s status as Europe’s highest cocaine user”.

Ambassador Moncada also revealed the sharp increase in drug seizures in Venezuela since the election of President Chavez and quoted British minister James Brokenshire who spoke of the good working relations between Venezuela and the UK in combating drug trafficking.

To read the Ambassador's letter in full, see the Observer website: http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2011/dec/18/observer-letters-free-childcare-jobs

Press Unit of the Venezuelan Embassy in London
Tuesday, 20 December 2011