U.S. Considers Options, Including Military action, to Disrupt Drug Trafficking from Venezuela
The U.S. military has recently increased its presence in the Caribbean, deploying at least eight ships with over 4,000 personnel and sending F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Sources familiar with the administration’s thinking indicate this build-up is linked to evaluating a range of options, including potential military strikes targeting drug trafficking operations within Venezuela.
Maintaining this level of military force in the region presents logistical challenges, as one source noted, “You can’t keep that kind of firepower in the Caribbean forever,” possibly impacting deployments elsewhere.
The increased scrutiny comes as the U.S. accuses the Maduro regime of facilitating the movement of illicit drugs,despite Venezuela not being a major cocaine producer itself. According to a 2023 UNODC report, Venezuela serves as a notable transit point for cocaine shipments destined for other locations. While not believed to be a primary source of fentanyl entering the U.S. – the majority originates in Mexico – the Trump administration alleges Maduro’s government collaborates with cartels involved in trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, and facilitating the movement of gang members into the united States.
The U.S. has increased the reward for Maduro’s arrest to $50 million,and in 2020,the Justice Department indicted him on drug trafficking charges. Administration officials have not ruled out regime change as a potential outcome, with a stated goal of pressuring Maduro into making decisions that could lead to his removal from power without direct U.S. military intervention. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly been a vocal advocate for regime change.
Despite the heightened tensions,the U.S. continues to coordinate with Venezuela on certain issues, including deportation flights. As of last Friday, 54 such flights have taken place.
Recently, Maduro sent a letter to Trump proposing dialog, a move condemned by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who reiterated the administration’s view of the Maduro regime as illegitimate and affirmed the President’s willingness to “use any and all means necessary” to halt the flow of illegal drugs from Venezuela.
Ric Grenell, the special presidential envoy for special missions, is reportedly advocating for continued diplomatic engagement with Venezuela, maintaining regular communication with Trump on the matter.
