Venezuela deports 6 suspected drug traffickers

September 19, 2011

CARACAS, Venezuela—Venezuela deported six suspected drug traffickers wanted in Colombia and the United States on Monday, touting the decision as proof the government of President Hugo Chavez is committed to fighting smuggling.

Among those deported was American Scott Harris, who is suspected of smuggling drugs to the United States, Asia and Europe. Harris, 67, was captured in March on Margarita Island, a popular tourist destination.

Venezuela is a major hub for gangs that smuggle Colombian cocaine and U.S. officials have accused Chavez's government of being lax in anti-drug efforts. Last week, the Obama administration classified Venezuela as a country that has "failed demonstrably" to effectively fight drug trafficking.

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami criticized the U.S. move on Monday, saying that Venezuela is doing everything possible to stem the flow of drugs through its territory.

"We will not kneel before any foreign policy," he said, speaking from the tarmac at Simon Bolivar International Airport. "Much as they try to disqualify us ... we respond in a strong and sovereign manner."

Besides Harris, Venezuela sent deported five Colombians wanted on drug-related charges: Jose Reyes Galarza, Jorge Santaella Ayala, Rubernei Vergara, Yesid Rios Suarez and Didier Rios Galindo, said El Aissami.

Rios Suarez and Rios Galindo are members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, rebel group, he said.

Another Colombian wanted on murder and extortion charges but not drug charges, Raul Pena Buitriago, was also deported, he said.

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