Venezuela's role in fight against drugs

THE ARTICLE "Strained US ties with Venezuela a boon for traffickers" (Page A17, Oct. 19) misled readers to believe that Venezuela is taking a passive role in the fight against drugs. True, Venezuela is situated between the world's largest producer of cocaine, Colombia, and the drug's largest consumer, the United States. But thanks to Venezuela's efforts to thwart the flow of drugs across its border, the country ranks fourth in the world in cocaine seizures; 32 tons of cocaine were stopped in 2007 alone. Five drug kingpins, also wanted in the United States and Colombia, have been detained by Venezuelan officials this year. More than 200 illicit airstrips used to transport drugs have been detected and destroyed, and seven radar stations have been installed throughout the country to improve tracking and interception.

Venezuela has committed to 50 bilateral antidrug cooperation agreements with 37 countries. President Hugo Chavez is not "anti-American," as your article claims. Just this month, he said in a speech that "the US is a great country." What we need to do is talk; we need to reach agreements. We need each other.

MEGAN MORRISSEY
Media analyst
Venezuela Information Office
Washington