Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello at a press conference, March 14, 2025. Photo: MPPIJP.
Venezuelan Minister for the Interior Diosdado Cabello reported that as part of the security forces’ Lightning Operation in the state of Zulia, Danilo Añez and Fernando Loaiza the mayors of Jesús Enrique Lossada municipality and Catatumbo respectively, were arrested for their alleged involvement in narco-trafficking.
In a statement released on Saturday, March 15, the Ministry of the Interior, Justice and Peace, reported that Orangel José Paz Villalobos, director of citizen security of Almirante Padilla municipality of Zulia state, was also arrested, and seven boats were seized as part of the operation.
The statement highlighted the commitment of the Venezuelan government to carrying out thorough investigations and arresting all the people involved in organized crime gangs in Venezuela.
Venezuela: 2 Mayors Arrested for Involvement in Drug Trafficking
Additionally, the statement emphasized that irrespective of whoever gets arrested, the security agencies and the Bolivarian National Armed Force (FANB) will continue their joint work and coordinated efforts to guarantee peace and security in the country.
On Friday, Minister Cabello reported that nine individuals were arrested, including the mayor of Miranda del Zulia municipality, Jorge Nava and the mayor of Almirante Padilla municipality, Alberto Sobalvarro, for alleged association with gangs dedicated to drugs and arms trafficking.
In a press conference, the minister reported the seizure of 5.4 tons of high-purity cocaine, three rudimentary submarines, two revolvers, 25 boats, 25 outboard motors, 17 cell phones, six GPS devices, two carbon monoxide detectors, three Colombian passports and one Ecuadorian passport.
(Últimas Noticias) by Olys Guárate
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/DZ
