Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CARACAS1576
2008-11-13 22:19:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
Cable title:
BRV DEPORTS TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO U.S.
how-toVZCZCXRO0466 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHCV #1576 3182219 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 132219Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2140 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS RUMIAAA/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 001576
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2018
TAGS: SNAR PGOV PREL CO VE
SUBJECT: BRV DEPORTS TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO U.S.
Classified By: Francisco Fernandez, Political Counselor,
for Reason 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 001576
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2018
TAGS: SNAR PGOV PREL CO VE
SUBJECT: BRV DEPORTS TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO U.S.
Classified By: Francisco Fernandez, Political Counselor,
for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (SBU) The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela (GBRV) turned over Colombian drug traffickers Henry
Fortich Coneo and Wilmer Villadiego Coneo to the Drug
Enforcement Administration for transport to the United
States. National Anti-Drug Office (ONA) Director Nestor
Reverol told the local media that the effort "demonstrated
international cooperation" in Venezuela's "direct assault on
drug trafficking." According to local press reports, the
Coneos are cousins that operated a smuggling ring of speed
boats that moved cocaine from Colombia's northern coast to
islands in the Caribbean and Central AMERICA for further
trans-shipment to the United States. Local papers quoted
Reverol's assertion that the Coneo smuggling ring was
involved in the August 2008 murders of seven persons in the
Dominican Republic.
2. (C) Shortly after the Coneos' October 11 arrest in Zulia
state, Reverol pledged to Embassy Caracas DEA that the
cousins would be turned over to U.S. authorities as soon as
possible. According to mission LEGATT, DEA Caracas
coordinated with FBI and ICE, agencies which also had
outstanding arrest warrants for the Coneos. With little
advance notice, DEA was informed that the Coneos would be
ready to travel November 11, causing DEA to scramble for
commercial plane reservations.
3. (C) COMMENT: According to LEGATT, ONA and other law
enforcement groups in Venezuela have stepped up the arrest
and rendition of drug traffickers in recent months. The GBRV
may be reacting to negative domestic and international
opinion regarding Venezuela's role in the war on drugs, as
well as possibly trying to put a good foot forward following
the U.S. presidential election. End Comment.
GENNATIEMPO
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/13/2018
TAGS: SNAR PGOV PREL CO VE
SUBJECT: BRV DEPORTS TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO U.S.
Classified By: Francisco Fernandez, Political Counselor,
for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (SBU) The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela (GBRV) turned over Colombian drug traffickers Henry
Fortich Coneo and Wilmer Villadiego Coneo to the Drug
Enforcement Administration for transport to the United
States. National Anti-Drug Office (ONA) Director Nestor
Reverol told the local media that the effort "demonstrated
international cooperation" in Venezuela's "direct assault on
drug trafficking." According to local press reports, the
Coneos are cousins that operated a smuggling ring of speed
boats that moved cocaine from Colombia's northern coast to
islands in the Caribbean and Central AMERICA for further
trans-shipment to the United States. Local papers quoted
Reverol's assertion that the Coneo smuggling ring was
involved in the August 2008 murders of seven persons in the
Dominican Republic.
2. (C) Shortly after the Coneos' October 11 arrest in Zulia
state, Reverol pledged to Embassy Caracas DEA that the
cousins would be turned over to U.S. authorities as soon as
possible. According to mission LEGATT, DEA Caracas
coordinated with FBI and ICE, agencies which also had
outstanding arrest warrants for the Coneos. With little
advance notice, DEA was informed that the Coneos would be
ready to travel November 11, causing DEA to scramble for
commercial plane reservations.
3. (C) COMMENT: According to LEGATT, ONA and other law
enforcement groups in Venezuela have stepped up the arrest
and rendition of drug traffickers in recent months. The GBRV
may be reacting to negative domestic and international
opinion regarding Venezuela's role in the war on drugs, as
well as possibly trying to put a good foot forward following
the U.S. presidential election. End Comment.
GENNATIEMPO