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Venezuelan ambassador says more than 170 drug cartel leaders arrested

14 October 2025 11:22 (UTC +04:00)

The report prepared by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the period 1999-2025 states that there is no drug cartel in Venezuela, said Venezuela’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Christopher Martinez Berroteran, during his speech at the conference titled "Venezuela, Latin America, and the Caribbean Peace Zone," APA reports.

The ambassador noted that according to the report published by this organization in 2025, 87% of cocaine leaving South America is transported via the Pacific Ocean, 8% via Colombia, and only 5% via Venezuela.

According to Christopher Martinez, the UN report states that the global drug trade generates annual revenues of 426-652 billion dollars.

The ambassador stated that his country is determined to combat drug trafficking and that since 2005, drug seizures in Venezuela have increased by 44%, and during these years, more than 170 heads of drug cartels have been arrested or extradited.

“We are trying to diversify our economy and are making efforts to mitigate the impact of sanctions through this,” Christopher Martinez added.

The ambassador emphasized that Venezuela is ready for peace, stability, and dialogue, and at the same time, “will protect its independence and sovereignty against any aggression.”