The US authorities have imposed tough sanctions on the Vice-President of Venezuela, Tarek El-Aissami due to the fact that he was suspected of "international drug trafficking".

Management of the Treasury Department of foreign assets control (OFAC) said that Tarek El Aissami plays "an important role in international drug smuggling," said a press release. El Aissami, who was appointed Vice President of Venezuela in January, is a former Minister of internal Affairs and justice.

The Ministry of Finance claims that it "facilitated the supply of drugs from Venezuela, including control over the aircraft that come out of Venezuelan air bases. More than 1,000 kg of drugs were exported from Venezuela, including the end-points of Mexico and the United States." In addition, the Department said that El-Aissami is associated with the coordination of the supply of drugs to the Zetas, and provides protection for a Colombian drug Lord.

United States Monday imposed sanctions on al-Aissami that prohibit anyone in the United States to do business with him and freezing any US assets. The designation is the result of a multi-year investigation of drug trafficking by OFAC.
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents