Intelligence forum response

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Jessica Bordelon

Though Venezuela is considered a small scale producer of opiates and coca derivatives, it remains a key player in the transshipments of illicit drugs from Columbia to the US and Europe. (Central Intelligence Agency 2016) Historically, the government of Venezuela has been known to promote socialism and increase authoritative control over its people. The country is on the brink of a total economic collapse due to relying exclusively on the export of oil and ever increasing inflation rates, stemming from the price control policies implemented under Hugo Chavez’ presidency. According to Fortune magazine, Venezuela is known to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. (Chew 2016) So, it is no surprise that cooperative efforts between Venezuela and the US are lacking.

The unstable government along with deteriorating social and economic landscapes have laid the foundation for the promotion of illicit activity within and across its borders in exchange for monetary gains. Relations between the US and Venezuela have been tense since the establishment of bilateral relations in 1835. (AFFAIRS 2016) It has been identified, since 2005, when Venezuela refused to sign the addendum to the 1978 Bilateral Counternarcotics Memorandum of Understanding, Venezuela has failed to adhere to its obligations under international counter-narcotics agreements. (Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs 2013)

Cooperation between the Venezuela and the DEA ceased after 2005, but minimal cooperation with USCG remained. (Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs 2013) Venezuela often gives the USCG authority to board Venezuelan vessels to identify illicit operations or drugs that may reside onboard, but then must hand over the evidence to Venezuelan authorities. It is rare that prosecution of such activities ever occur. The main reason may lie in the ability of the Venezuelan government to profit from confiscated materials and/or their involvement in allowing drug traffickers to use them as a drug corridor in exchange for profit.

In addition to abstaining from adhering to International counter-narcotics policies in return for profit, the Venezuelan government has an interest in maintaining alliances with other “rogue nations”. The US has placed sanctions on Iran, regarding the import of oil from Venezuela, in the past. It is well known the strong alliance and relationships between the two. If Venezuela were to fall in line with US values, they may lose their alliance.

References

AFFAIRS, BUREAU OF WESTERN HEMISPHERE. U.S. Relations With Venezuela . August 31, 2016. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35766.htm (accessed October 11, 2016).

Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. "International Narcotics Control Strategy Report: Volume 1 Drug and Chemical Control." US Department of State. March 2013. https://edge.apus.edu/access/content/group/security-and-global-studies-common/Intelligence%20Studies/INTL446/Content/Week%206/INCSR2013.pdf (accessed October 11, 2016).

Central Intelligence Agency. The World Factbook: South America, Venezuela. September 28, 2016. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ve.html (accessed October 11, 2016).

Chew, Jonathan. These Are the Most Corrupt Countries In the World. January 27, 2016. http://fortune.com/2016/01/27/transparency-corruption-index/ (accessed October 11, 2016).