Summary
The U.S. has been increasing military actions against Venezuelan boats it accuses of drug trafficking, while President Trump pardoned Honduras's former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was convicted of drug offenses. The article questions the U.S.'s focus on Venezuela as a drug trafficking hub given most cocaine entering the U.S. originates from other countries like Colombia. It also provides historical context of U.S. involvement in drug trafficking starting from the Opium Wars with China.
Key Facts
- President Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who was serving a 45-year sentence in the U.S. for drug-related crimes.
- U.S. military actions resulted in strikes on 21 Venezuelan boats, killing over 80 people.
- The Trump administration claims these boats were involved in drug trafficking but has not provided evidence.
- Most cocaine entering the U.S. comes from Colombia, not Venezuela, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- The U.S. has a historical pattern of involvement with drug trafficking, going back to the Opium Wars in the 1800s.
- The U.S. has accused Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro of drug cartel connections and offered $50 million for information leading to his arrest.
- Cocaine production reached a global high in 2023, but main supply routes to the U.S. go through countries like Colombia and Peru.
