An organised crime expert weighs in on US allegations that Venezuela’s arrested leader Nicolas Maduro is linked to drug trafficking networks.
Arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro told a court in New York on Monday that he is still the president of his country and ‘a good man’. Maduro appeared alongside his wife and pleaded not guilty to various charges, including drug trafficking.
The arrest by the US military has renewed debate over claims that he is deeply embroiled in organised crime and international drug trafficking. Felipe Botero Escobar of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime said it is no secret that Venezuela has been operating as a transit point for neighbouring Colombia, the largest producer of cocaine in the world.Escobar said intel suggests much of the drugs are headed towards Europe.US prosecutors allege that Maduro and other top officials spent years working with global drug gangs to move illegal drugs into the US, at the same time lining their own pockets. “What we have also seen in recent years is that more criminal groups from Colombia are now operating on the other side of the border, meaning in Venezuela.” Escobar explained that it is also likely that Venezuela has moved from being largely a point of transit to also being a producer of cocaine and a distribution hub.”What we do know about Venezuela is that it is one of the countries that has the biggest score on state-embedded actors. It ranks 7th worldwide.” The ranking demonstrates how entrenched politicians are in organisedcrime in the country, said Escobar. Meanwhile, the South African government has strongly condemned the US’ military operation in Venezuela. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation , said on Monday that Pretoria views the US operation as creating a devastating precedent for the rules-based system of international relations.Get the whole picture 💡
Ewn News News Eyewitness News Eye Witness News Latest News News Today Ewn South Africa Ewn-News Primedia+ Primedia Plus Prime Media Plus
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
LETTER: Letter writer blind to need for SA version of Keynesian economicsNicholas Woode-Smith would do well to recognise economics is a political argument
Read more ”
Venezuelan Ex-President Maduro Appears in US Court on Narco-Terrorism ChargesDeposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro faces US federal charges including narco-terrorism, conspiracy, drug trafficking, and money laundering after his capture and transfer to New York City. His initial court appearance marks the beginning of a complex legal battle and raises significant questions about international law and Venezuela’s political future. His wife is also facing similar charges.
Read more ”
Captured Venezuelan President Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to Narco-Terrorism ChargesFormer Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy following his capture by US forces. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings have sparked international debate and raised questions about the future of Venezuela’s political and economic landscape. The legal case alleges Maduro’s involvement in drug trafficking from his time in Venezuela’s National Assembly in 2000 to his tenure as foreign minister and subsequent 2013 election as the late president Hugo Chavez’s successor.
Read more ”
Zimbabwean Sungura Veteran Nicholas Zakaria DiesZimbabwe’s music scene is in mourning following the death of Sungura legend Nicholas Zakaria, affectionately known as the Madzibaba. He was 66. Zakaria was a founding member of the Khiama Boys, renowned for his masterful guitar skills and inspirational voice, and a mentor to many artists, including Alick Macheso.
Read more ”
Venezuelan President Maduro Faces US Charges: A Geopolitical and Media AnalysisThis article discusses the arrival of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in New York City to face US federal charges, analyzing the geopolitical implications and the role of biased media in shaping public perception. It examines potential motivations behind US intervention in Venezuela and critiques the current state of news reporting, highlighting how media biases and echo chambers contribute to political polarization.
Read more ”
SACP to march to US Embassy in solidarity with Venezuela’s Maduro – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa’s news leader.Maduro and Cilia Flores face US narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy charges.
Read more “
