Venezuela Intensifies Military Operations Against Drug Trafficking
On August 23, 2025, Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez announced the launch of nine simultaneous operations aimed at combating drug traffickers and criminals. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the General Command of the Bolivarian National Militia in Caracas, reports 24brussels.
Padrino Lopez conveyed the overwhelming support from citizens in response to President Nicolas Maduro’s call for voluntary enlistment in military service, stating, “The people are outraged with imperialism.” He emphasized that the enlistment sessions conducted over the weekend were intended to update military records rather than signify a comprehensive mobilization, as outlined by the National Security Law.
The Minister detailed that the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB) are actively conducting nine operations involving 164 deployed troops to combat drug trafficking groups. He recalled the launch of Operation Relampago del Catatumbo earlier this year, which deployed 8,000 personnel to tackle drug trafficking along the Colombian border, resulting in the seizure of 500 kilograms of narcotics and the destruction of four logistical camps.
“Drug-trafficking groups have entered Venezuela intending to stay, but we have not allowed it. We have become a containment wall,” Padrino Lopez stated. He attributed the persistence of drug trafficking to imperialist interests, asserting that the U.S. economy is heavily influenced by such activities. The FANB remains vigilant in several states, including Amazonas, Apure, Tachira, and Zulia.
In a notable operation in Miranda municipality, Zulia state, authorities disrupted a significant drug route through Lake Maracaibo, seizing 31,600 kilograms of narcotics along with substantial equipment used by the traffickers. Padrino Lopez declared, “The drug cartels went crazy because they had an important route through Lake Maracaibo, and we destroyed it. That route no longer exists.”
Furthermore, the Security Ministry reported the arrest of business leaders and politicians linked to illicit activities orchestrated by the far-right opposition and their international supporters. Padrino Lopez underscored the detrimental impact of such financing on the Venezuelan population, stating it aimed to instigate terrorism, destabilization, civil war, and a fragmented nation.
In July, authorities in Falcon state dismantled significant drug operations, seizing 6,152 kilograms of narcotics along with a fishing boat and a stranded submersible. More recently, in August, operations in Sucre state led to the dismantling of human-trafficking and drug-trafficking networks, confiscating military-grade weaponry and explosives.
The Defense Minister highlighted the various security operations currently underway, including Relampago del Catatumbo in La Guajira state, Cacique Manaure in Falcon, Maroa in Amazonas, Guara in Delta Amacuro, and Vuelvan Cara in Apure.
