# Venezuela drug seizure crackdown continues

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-drug-seizure-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-07-31T17:39:54.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026 Venezuelan security forces intensified a series of large‑scale drug interceptions. After the 24 July inspection at Valencia’s Arturo Michelena International Airport that uncovered over a ton of cocaine, authorities carried out an intelligence‑led raid in Monagas on 28 July, seizing 3.34 tonnes of cocaine and injuring several fleeing suspects.

Three days later, on 31 July, police and military units stormed the San Joaquín farm in the rural parish of Temblador, Libertador municipality, Monagas. The operation, conducted by the National Antidrug Command, the Strategic Operations Group and the National Police, resulted in the confiscation of more than 3,300 kg of cocaine (over 20 bundles and 3,051 packages), an exchange of gunfire as suspects fled toward the mountains, the seizure of three vehicles and the arrest of one individual. No injuries were reported among the forces.

These actions add to a pattern of massive seizures that saw more than 65 tonnes of narcotics intercepted in 2025, largely destined for European markets, and follow earlier 2026 seizures of marijuana in Lara. The Venezuelan government continues to highlight cooperation with the United States, formalised in February 2026, as a key element of its effort to disrupt trafficking routes through the country.

## Timeline

### 2026-07-31: Venezuelan authorities seize over 3 tonnes of cocaine in Monagas

Venezuelan forces seized over 3.3 tonnes of cocaine at a farm in Monagas after a gunfight, detaining one suspect and seizing three vehicles.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-authorities-seize-over-3-tonnes-of-cocaine-in-monagas

### 2026-07-28: Venezuela seizes over 3 tons of cocaine in Monagas operation

Venezuelan security forces seized 3.34 tonnes of cocaine in Monagas, marking another major drug bust in a year that saw over 65 tonnes confiscated, amid U.S.-Venezuela anti‑narcotics cooperation.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuela-seizes-over-3-tons-of-cocaine-in-monagas-operation

### 2026-07-24: Venezuelan police seize over a ton of cocaine, arrest traffickers

Venezuelan police seized over a ton of cocaine at Valencia airport and arrested two men with 521 g of marijuana on a highway, marking major drug busts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venezuelan-police-seize-over-a-ton-of-cocaine-arrest-traffickers

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Cite as: Venezuela drug seizure crackdown continues. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/venezuela-drug-seizure-crackdown