US hides effort to control Latin America with ‘drug war’

(MENAFN) Bolivian President Luis Arce accused the United States on Wednesday of using the so-called war on drugs as a pretext to assert political and economic control over Latin America. Speaking via video at the 13th Extraordinary Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, Arce criticized recent US military deployments to the southern Caribbean, saying they aim to dominate the region rather than tackle narcotics trafficking.

“We know that behind this failed international war on drugs lies the real goal of geopolitically controlling Latin America, exploiting natural resources, and undermining our sovereignty,” Arce said.

He also urged the US to address domestic drivers of drug trafficking, including the country’s high demand for narcotics, the arms industry, and cultural factors that perpetuate the drug trade.

Arce condemned recent US actions targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as violations of regional sovereignty and an attack on a democratically elected leader. Last month, the US designated the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles as a criminal organization, claiming Maduro and senior officials were personally involved.

The US has also doubled its reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million and alleged ties between him and criminal groups including the Tren de Aragua and Sinaloa cartels. Maduro has repeatedly denied the charges, calling them politically motivated and part of a broader effort by Washington to overthrow his government.

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