February 1, 2006
Anti-drug agreements with 42 countries define government's achievements
(Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias) -"The 42 anti-drug agreements signed by Venezuelan officials with representatives of American and European nations define the country's achievements during the past seven years with President Chávez Administration.
This statement was made by Luis Correa, Director of the National Anti-drug Office (ONA).
The official highlighted that these alliances undoubtedly show the level of commitment of the Venezuelan government in the fight against drug trafficking.
He also said that during 2005 and the beginnings of 2006, Venezuela has been congratulated by international organisations on issues concerning money laundering, because of the methods used to avoid capital legitimating in the banking sector.
The European Union has also recognised the efforts made by Venezuela in this area; for being an innovative country and installing the first International Drug Observatory last year in Caracas.
Representatives from the British, Dutch and French embassies have applauded the joint work done in the area of confiscation, thanks to the procedures on both Venezuelan and international waters, especially in the Caribbean Sea.
ONA's spokesperson also emphasised on two important areas that have also placed Venezuela among the countries that constantly fight against drug trafficking. These are the repressive area and the anti-drug campaigns directed to minors.
In this sense, Correa said in the repressive area, the country confiscated a record 77 tons last year (77,525 kilos). To these results he added the confiscation during 2005 of 165 tons of chemicals used to produce drugs.
By the end of 2005, 23 farms, one clinic and one milk processor were seized because of money laundering, as well as several vehicles, houses and aircrafts.
It is Correa's opinion that, compared to previous years, these results show an increment in the level of participation of national security organisations.
Regarding anti-drug campaigns focused on minors, Venezuela has also made great developments in terms of prevention through the distribution of educational brochures to children from seventh to ninth grade.
This project was approved by the Ministry of Education and Sports and will be extended to all public and private schools this year.
In addition to this, during 2006, ONA will inaugurate three detoxification and rehabilitation homes: one in Oricao (Vargas State), another one will be a joint project with the Sucre Borough in Filas de Mariche and the third one in the former juvenile detention centre in Los Chorros, Caracas.
Another development in this matter is the starring role played by ONA inside prisons, working together with the National Prisons Directorate of the Ministry of Justice. Through their project, convicts who have been rehabilitated will be sent to social development programmes implemented by the Ministry of Defence".
