Venezuela Confiscates Weapons Linked to Trinidad and Tobago
Arms Trafficking Concerns Rise Amidst Regional Instability
Venezuelan authorities have announced the seizure of another weapons cache originating from Trinidad and Tobago, raising concerns about illicit arms trafficking and potential destabilization in the region. The discovery comes as reports surface of missing ammunition on the neighboring island nation.
New Weapons Seizure Announced
Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela’s sectorial vice president of politics, citizen security and peace, revealed the latest operation during his television program. He stated that the confiscated weapons were part of a continuing effort to intercept arms flowing into Venezuela from Trinidad and Tobago.
“We announced an operation. Yesterday (Tuesday) they grabbed another lot of weapons in one place in the East of Venezuela. Part of these weapons that are bringing from Trinidad and Tobago,” Cabello explained.
He further noted that reports indicate over 100,000 cartridges are unaccounted for in Trinidad and Tobago, a fact he claims is met with resistance when raised. According to the Small Arms Survey, illicit arms trafficking contributes to approximately 60% of homicides in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the severity of the issue. Small Arms Survey 2023 Trends Report
Arrest and Allegations
Cabello emphasized that a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago has been arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling of weapons into Venezuela. The detainee reportedly confessed to bringing the arms from Trinidad and Tobago, though details regarding the intended use of the weapons remain undisclosed.
“One of the detainees is trinitarian and confesses that weapons come from there, that brought them from there and one does not say the intentions of what they were going to do with the weapons so as not to fall into details. And behind that, who is? The paramilitarism narco and the opposition policy in Venezuela,”
—Diosdado Cabello, Sectorial Vice President of Politics, Citizen Security and Peace
Cabello alleges a connection between the arms trafficking, narco-paramilitary groups, and opposition forces within Venezuela, though specific evidence supporting these claims was not presented.
The Venezuelan government has previously accused neighboring countries of supporting destabilizing activities within its borders. This latest incident is likely to further strain relations with Trinidad and Tobago.
Authorities have not released further details regarding the type of weapons seized or the ongoing investigation. The situation remains fluid as Venezuelan security forces continue to monitor the border region.