Forum Topic

Is Venezuela flooding the US with drugs? [No]

"Is Venezuela flooding the US with drugs?Counternarcotic experts have pointed out that Venezuela is a relatively minor player in global drug trafficking, and that it acts as a transit country through which drugs produced elsewhere are smuggled on their way to their final destination.Its neighbour, Colombia, is the world's largest producer of cocaine but most of it is smuggled to the US by other routes, not via Venezuela.According to a US Drug Enforcement report from 2020, almost three quarters of the cocaine reaching the US is estimated to be trafficked via the Pacific with just a small percentage coming via fast boats in the Caribbean.Nevertheless, most of the strikes the US has carried out have been in the Caribbean, with just a few in the Pacific.In September, Trump told US military leaders that the boats targeted "are stacked up with bags of white powder that's mostly fentanyl and other drugs, too".However, fentanyl is produced mainly in Mexico and reaches the US almost exclusively via land through its southern border."https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93n4nx5yqro"America is flexing its muscles in the Caribbean and the world is holding its breath. Washington has trained its sights on Socialist-run Venezuela, and the arrival of the colossal USS Gerald Ford has sparked the biggest military buildup since the Cuban Missile Crisis. Operation Southern Spear is now under way: a dozen warships, thousands of troops, and a barrage of so-called “anti-narco” strikes that have already left scores dead. The White House insists it’s about drug traffickers, but few believe that. With President Nicolás Maduro about to be officially labelled a terrorist and Trump accusing him of heading a major cartel, the scent of regime change is hard to ignore. Maduro says America is inventing a war."Telegraph, 17/11/25Mexico for fentanyl and Colombia for cocaine, apparently.

David Ainsworth ● 39d29 Comments

Let's not forget the UK's role in overthrowing governments that just so happen to be oil producers!It's never about the oil!

Ed Robinson ● 25d

"I repeat them for the third time"Most on the Forum (if anybody else bothers to read your repetition) will groan and say "Oh if only 'twere so. But 'tis thrice a third time, and thrice more".

David Ainsworth ● 28d

Mr AinsworthIsrael has not carried out an 'offensive' in Gaza but a defensive retaliation to an unprovoked attack on it by Hamas Palestinians (who seem to have your unqualified support) in October 2023.Who makes up 'the international community' ?I treat any data originating from Hamas with great scepticism. But it might be close to the truth.After all it was Hamas Palestinians that brought this catastrophe down upon the heads of innocent Palestinians by its attack on Israel and subsequent pogrom in 2023 so they should have some idea.However knowing what they are capable of in the field of murder, rape and kidnapping of Israeli women, children and the elderly plus their justification and glorification of it in video, their word is probably, to quote an American senator, "Not worth a bucket of warm spit".One thing I am convinced of is that as a supporter of Israel I will never get any satisfaction from an Israelophobe.Someone who has never answered my simple questions posed to drill down and find out why he is such.I repeat them for the third time -1) Do you believe Israel has the right to exist as a sovereign state ?2) As such does it legitimately reside on its current territory ?3) On what territory does or should a state of Palestine occupy were it to have attributes of a free and liberal state with the institutions that define such ?4) How do YOU propose the Middle East conflict be resolved ?Short answers please and not Google AI generated.

John Hawkes ● 28d

The Washington Post has an article on the history of the USA's helping hand to Latin America. "How Trump’s Venezuela threats echo CIA-backed regime change in Latin America The escalation targeting President Nicolás Maduro revives a Cold War playbook that had severe and lasting consequences for Latin American democracies and economies.
During the Cold War, worried about the spread of communism, the U.S. supported right-leaning leaders and military factions in Latin America, helping them seize power through coups that ushered in dictatorships. It also trained regional militaries through institutions such as the School of the Americas, graduates of which include dictators as well as soldiers who have been implicated in human rights abuses in the region.
The consequences have been severe. A 2023 study of the economic, political and civil society effects of CIA-sponsored regime change in five Latin American countries found that they caused “large declines in democracy scores, rule of law, freedom of speech, and civil liberties,” and a 10 percent reduction in per capita income, on average."
Plus a US comment below the article:— "If we can't pick a decent and competent leader for our own country, is it not the height of hubris to assume we can do so for another?"

David Ainsworth ● 29d

Steven. Surely, there's two issues there which should be looked at separately. Firstly, Maduro's socialism will likely fail in a world that has a global capitalist economic system. (Hence, the acceptance of the free market by Labour and other Europe social democracy parties.) Of course the real issue was the probable corruption in the last Venezuelan election. However, is externally influenced regime change sensible? Looking at attempts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, ... it doesn't always seem very successful with often unexpected consequences. Would the US want the result to be a Chinese supported state in South America? Would that or other undesirable outcomes be better for the Venezuelan people?Secondly, there's the drug smuggling issue. There seem to be disagreement over the extent of Venezuelan criminals' involvement as opposed to Honduran, Mexican, even Canadian routes - and the Sacker family's Purdu Pharma involvement may have played a not insignificant role in opiod addictions. They and the pardoned Honduran ex President seem to have got off fairly lightly, so far? There seems to be significant concern within the US about the naval activities against alleged Venezuelan drug smugglers. There's claims some killed were just fishermen; even if they were involved in smuggling, were they coerced or, given the economic situation in Venezuela you suggest, were they desperate to feed their families? Don't they - doesn't everyone - deserve a fair trial? Anyway, I guess that's Trump’s Nobel peace prize gone up in smoke?

Michael Ixer ● 29d

According to the United Nations. You know, the people who helped create Israel. Who have you got?

David Ainsworth ● 29d

"I suspect that the majority of Venezuelans would not be too disappointed if Trump's strong arm tactics brought about regime change."In the short run, probably not. However the idea that Trump is a Robin Hood seems unlikely from what we have seen so far. "Power not principle" is his motivation. And Trump's Maid Marian:-"The Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, is pitching a post‑Maduro future to US investors, describing a “US$1.7 trillion (A$2.5 trillion) opportunity” to privatise Venezuela’s oil, gas and infrastructure.For US and European corporations, the message is clear: regime change could unlock vast wealth."

David Ainsworth ● 30d

One or two of the contributors to this thread seem more concerned with the possibly illegal actions of the American military than with the plight of the Venezuelan people, 7 million of whom have left the country since Maduro came to power.Venezuela's descent from prosperity to a state of economic collapse, despite possessing the largest oil reserves in the world, was initiated by Hugo Chavez, once hailed by Jeremy Corbyn as 'an inspiration to all of us fighting back against austerity and neo-liberal economics in Europe'. Chavez nationalised vast swathes of the private sector, including the oil industry, the power utilities and the ports, until by 2008 one in three Venezuelans worked for the state. He appointed party loyalists to run these state enterprises and spent the profits on welfare and foreign aid. Unfortunately Maduro, after he assumed power in 2013, accelerated the programme of nationalisation, taking over dairies, coffee producers, supermarkets and shoe factories. When oil prices fell in 2014, he continued to spend on welfare, printing money he didn't have. The result of his insane socialist experiment is that the economy has shrink by 80% and inflation is currently around 170%.I suspect that the majority of Venezuelans would not be too disappointed if Trump's strong arm tactics brought about regime change.

Steven Rose ● 30d

"Most figures on casualties have been released by Hamas and as far as I know, none have actually been named."Your memory is poor."This article is more than 2 months oldYoung lives cut short on an unimaginable scale: the 18,457 children on Gaza’s list of war deadThe children’s names below appear on a list of victims of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, maintained by health authorities in the territory. As of the end of July it ran to 60,199 names, of whom 18,457 were under 18s. Far from comprehensive, the list does not include the thousands still buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings, as well as the war’s many indirect victims"https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/oct/08/young-lives-cut-short-on-an-unimaginable-scale-the-18457-children-on-gazas-list-of-war-deadThere are pictures of individual children and some of their individual stories."The list of named victims maintained by health authorities in Gaza is recognised as authoritative by the international community, the UN and Israel’s military, although Israeli politicians frequently try to dismiss it."As will Mr Hawkes.

David Ainsworth ● 30d

"Most figures on casualties have been released by Hamas and as far as I know, none have actually been named."But you know very little. You seem to find information disturbing. That is why I mostly have given up adding my sources. You demand them, but you ignore them. You want to know them, you can Google for them. You know how to Google, don't you?

David Ainsworth ● 30d

""It seems some in the US military are concerned about the legality of the actions they're involved in and whether they could be subject to prosecution, and are seeking advice."For a start the military should obey the orders of their Commander in Chief or resign from the service."Apparently not, also according to Hegseth, the Man of War:-"Hegseth said US military should refuse ‘unlawful’ Trump orders in unearthed 2016 interviewDefense secretary’s comments recirculating amid dispute over US strikes on alleged drug boats in Caribbean""The US defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, stated repeatedly in 2016 on Fox News that US service members should refuse “unlawful” orders from a potential president Trump – exactly the position he called “despicable” when Democratic lawmakers said it last month.The debate about whether US soldiers should refuse illegal orders is now at the center of a fiery political dispute over the US killings of alleged drug traffickers in boats off the coast of Venezuela and Colombia.In video unearthed by CNN from March of 2016, when Donald Trump was a Republican presidential candidate, Hegseth responded to Trump’s comments in a debate by clarifying that service members did, in fact, have a duty to refuse any illegal orders.“You’re not just gonna follow that order if it’s unlawful,” Hegseth, then a Fox News contributor, said in an appearance on the show Fox & Friends, where he would eventually become a host.He repeated similar comments in a Fox Business appearance later that month.As a candidate in 2016, Trump had vowed that US military personnel would carry out orders including killing the families of terrorists and reviving banned forms of torture if he became president."The military’s not gonna follow illegal orders,” Hegseth said of Trump’s claim, which the candidate later walked back."

David Ainsworth ● 30d

Don't bother him with facts, Mr B

David Ainsworth ● 30d

"For a start the military should obey the orders of their Commander in Chief or resign from the service."U.S. troops are bound by oath to the Constitution, not to the president, and must disobey patently illegal orders (like harming civilians or violating the Constitution) under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Michael Brigo ● 30d

Mr Ainsworth'Trump is just hoping to arrange a more-compliant, grateful Venezuelan government and thus cheaper energy prices (a likely vote-winner for MAGA, and death for many others in South America).With its 'drill baby drill' and encouragement of fracking policies in the US, and its cosy relationship with the Gulf Arab states I doubt if Trump is worried if Venezuelan oil supplies are constrained.It's more that he wants to hit the corrupt narco-states in South America and the harm they do to US society, both regarding drug supply and their being the source of illegal immigration.The latter being a problem he, unlike the UK Labour Government is will to take steps to control and curtail.

John Hawkes ● 30d

Mr Ainsworth'"In the occupied West Bank, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023."According to whom ?

John Hawkes ● 30d

Mr Ainsworth'"In summary, IDF soldiers were legitimate military targets for Hamas and allied armed groups;'So in your opinion the October 2023 invasion of Israel and the resulting pogrom by Palestinian Arab terrorists was legitimate.Good to know where an Israelophobe stands on this issue.'Demographics: The majority of those killed are reported to be children and women. UN sources and human rights experts note a disproportionately high rate of women and children among the dead.''UN sources and human rights experts'.Who are these people and what is a 'human rights expert' (apart from you of course).Most figures on casualties have been released by Hamas and as far as I know, none have actually been named.Amazing that Hamas males with their miles of underground bunkers could not protect its women and children.Male chauvinist pigs as well as sadistic killers.

John Hawkes ● 30d

In other news:-"In the occupied West Bank, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023."

David Ainsworth ● 30d

OK, interesting reminder that, in total, 1,219 Israeli people were killed by the October 7th attacks: at least 810 civilians (including 38 children and 71 foreign nationals) and at least 379 members of the Israeli security forces."In summary, IDF soldiers were legitimate military targets for Hamas and allied armed groups; however, the attacks also involved extensive and widely documented targeting of civilians, which is a violation of international law.""As of December 12, 2025, over 70,373 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The total number of injured individuals has risen to at least 171,079. Key points regarding the casualties:Demographics: The majority of those killed are reported to be children and women. UN sources and human rights experts note a disproportionately high rate of women and children among the dead.Missing Persons: Thousands of additional victims are believed to be trapped under rubble, and emergency crews face severe obstacles in reaching or recovering them."

David Ainsworth ● 30d

Core principle of the Carter Doctrine (1980): "Any attempt by an outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf would be seen as an assault on U.S. vital interests, to be met with military force if needed."And now extending ...

David Ainsworth ● 30d

Mr AinsworthYou never give up do you."It seems some in the US military are concerned about the legality of the actions they're involved in and whether they could be subject to prosecution, and are seeking advice."For a start the military should obey the orders of their Commander in Chief or resign from the service.But then, attacking Trump, defending fascist dictators and introducing obfuscation into the debate with reference to some unsourced political gossip that you repeatedly manage to trawl up is your forte.Is it not about time you gave Trump a rest and got back onto your favourite hobby horse; that is attacking Israel ? You might like to defend or at least comment on this incident.BBC News"'All Israeli people are with us', parents of last dead hostage in Gaza tell BBC"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gk7gz3d1eo'The parents of the last dead hostage in Gaza have spoken to the BBC about their desperate wait for his body to be returned.Itzik and Talik Gvili insisted the Gaza peace deal could not progress until Hamas handed over the remains of their son Ran, a 24-year-old Israeli police officer also known as Rani."We really hope that all people in the world... want to end this situation and go to the second phase, so Hamas must bring Rani home," his mother Talik said, after Israel confirmed the body of Thai national Suthisak Rintalak had been returned on Wednesday.He and Ran were among 251 people taken hostage in the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, when another 1,200 people were killed.Ran was killed while fighting Hamas gunmen in Kibbutz Alumim, and his body was subsequently taken to Gaza as a hostage, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).His parents said he was on medical leave with a broken shoulder at the time of the attacks but went to fight after seeing on television what was happening."He couldn't stay at home even though he was injured. He took my car and his uniform... and went to help in the fight against the terrorists," said his father Itzik."He saved Kibbutz Alumim... and he saved Israel, so Israel has to save him now and bring him back home," he added'.

John Hawkes ● 30d

"steps being taken by Trump to maintain an embargo on Venezuelan oil exports""Machado ... repeating calls for the international community to help Venezuela "cut those inflows" of criminal resources".But, of course:-"Chevron [major US energy company] has accounted for roughly a quarter of Venezuela’s output this year."Trump is just hoping to arrange a more-compliant, grateful Venezuelan government and thus cheaper energy prices (a likely vote-winner for MAGA, and death for many others in South America).

David Ainsworth ● 30d

"It seems some in the US military are concerned about the legality of the actions they're involved in and whether they could be subject to prosecution, and are seeking advice."Who would do that? Who could do that?

David Ainsworth ● 30d

From BBC News regarding Ms Machado and the Nobel Peace Prize, the risks she runs from the fascist and criminal Venezuelan Government of Nicolás Maduro and steps being taken by Trump to maintain an embargo on Venezuelan oil exports.'Machado accused Maduro's regime of being funded by criminal activities such as drugs and human trafficking, repeating calls for the international community to help Venezuela "cut those inflows" of criminal resources'. "After her Peace Prize win was announced in October, Machado made a point to praise US President Donald Trump, who is open about his own ambitions for the Peace Prize and is locked in ongoing military tension with Venezuela".Yet still those suffering from TDS attack Trump and try to justify the actions of Maduro.

John Hawkes ● 30d

It seems some in the US military are concerned about the legality of the actions they're involved in and whether they could be subject to prosecution., and are seeking advice.https://www.npr.org/2025/12/12/nx-s1-5629164/boat-strikes-service-members-legal-risk

Michael Ixer ● 30d

"But let's not let the UK's interests get in the way of foreign policy."Indeed, the US doesn't seem to:-"Relations between Venezuela and the US over oil are complex. In 2022, after Brent crude had soared to over US$120 a barrel, the Biden administration gave Chevron [an American multinational energy corporation] a licence to produce and export oil from Venezuela. President Trump announced in February that the licence would be revoked, but in July it was renewed, with some restrictions. Chevron has accounted for roughly a quarter of Venezuela’s output this year."

David Ainsworth ● 30d

Oh no, is it Putney, oh God we will all be addicts.

Barbara Stevens ● 30d

Sorry Mr Hawkes:"But is it illegally trading in oil ? - Looks like "YES""I think you are referring to US sanctions which is not the same thing as International Law.But the real question is what are the UK's interest when it comes to international shipping.I suspect acts of piracy by the US or Western states, will not do the UK shipping insurance industry any favours.But let's not let the UK's interests get in the way of foreign policy.

Ed Robinson ● 31d

Mr Ainsworth'"Is Venezuela flooding the US with drugs?' - "NO"But is it illegally trading in oil ? - Looks like "YES"BBC News -'The US claims the tanker (seized by US Special Forces) is used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran in an "illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations".'The oil tanker seized by US forces on Wednesday had a track record of faking or concealing its location information, apparently to hide its activities, ship tracking data shows.On Wednesday evening, the US confirmed that its forces seized a vessel during a helicopter-launched raid near the coast of Venezuela. BBC Verify confirmed the ship was the Skipper by matching a sign seen in footage released by the US to a reference photo supplied by TankerTrackers.com, a site which monitors oil shipments'.And Venezuela has a fascist Government intent not only suppressing free speech but also threatening the leading politician that dares to oppose it.BBC News -'Venezuelan Nobel winner tells BBC she knows 'risks' of Oslo trip after months in hiding.Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has been in hiding for months, has told the BBC that she knows "exactly the risks" she's taking by travelling to Norway to collect her Nobel Peace Prize.Machado appeared in Oslo in the middle of the night, waving from the balcony of a hotel. It was the first time she has been seen in public since January.The 58-year-old made the covert journey despite a travel ban and a threat from the Venezuelan government that she would be labelled as a fugitive.In an emotional moment, Machado waved to cheering supporters who had gathered outside the Norwegian capital's Grand Hotel, blowing them kisses and singing with them.To their delight, she then came outside and greeted them in person, climbing over the security barricades to get closer."Maria!" "Maria!" they shouted, holding their phones aloft to record the historic moment.The Nobel Institute awarded Machado the prize this year for "her struggle to achieve a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy" in Venezuela. Earlier on Wednesday, her daughter, Ana Corina Sosa, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her mother's behalf.Until Wednesday night, the mother of three had not seen her children in about two years, having sent them away from Venezuela for their own safety'.So Mr Ainsworth, do you support the Venezuelan government that like you is rabidly 'anti-Trump', or one of its citizens  recognised by the world for her attempts to oppose it and risking her life in doing so ?"I think we should be told" 🤔😟😁

John Hawkes ● 31d

Mr Ainsworth'Mexico for fentanyl and Colombia for cocaine, apparently.'Thanks for the advice.

John Hawkes ● 39d