Venezuela says it seized 5.5 tons of cocaine

[Judi Lynn]

Venezuela says it seized 5.5 tons of cocaine
June 25, 2011 9:26 PM

(AP) CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela's top security official says authorities have seized more than 5.5 tons of cocaine.

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami calls the drug seizure in eastern Venezuela one of the country's hardest blows to drug traffickers in recent years.

A Saturday message on El Aissami's Twitter site says the seizure is "one of the most significant drug confiscations" in recent years. The message does not provide details.

Venezuela is a transshipment point for Colombian cocaine destined for the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.

Officials in Washington have strongly criticized Venezuela's anti-drug efforts. But President Hugo Chavez says Venezuela is seizing more drugs than ever before.

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