Mission to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

The INCB carried out a mission to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela from 8 to 11 December 2014. Dr. Lochan Naidoo, President of the INCB, was accompanied by Mr. Stefano Berterame of the INCB Secretariat. The objective of the mission was to review the progress made by Venezuela in the implementation of the three international drug control conventions since the last mission that took place in 2001.

The mission was coordinated by the National Anti-Drug Office (Oficina National Antidrogas - ONA) which is the body with the responsibility to coordinate all actions and interventions related drug control and prevention in the Venezuela. The mission met with senior officials from Interior, Health and Foreign Affairs as well as with the Attorney General.  In addition, the mission received briefings from the Forensic Department (Cuerpo de Investigaciones Científicas, Penales y Criminalísticas - CICPC); the Antidrugs Command of the Bolivarian National Guard (Comando Antidrogas de la Guardia Nacional Bolivariana - GNB); the National Registry of Operators of Controlled Chemical Substances (Registro Nacional Único de Operadores de Sustancias Químicas Controladas - RESQUIMC) and the Customs Authority - Servicio Autonómo Integrado de Administración Aduanera y Tributaria - SENIAT. 

The mission visited the Centre of Air Control and Command that monitors air trafficking and intercept illegal flights used by drug traffickers and a drug incineration oven. The mission also visited counselling centers and outpatient treatment centers as well primary prevention activities supported by ONA such as (see photo) those of the national orchestra and choir system and the national theatre movement for children and youth.

The President of the INCB discussed with government representatives the efforts made by the country to fight illicit trafficking of drugs and precursors chemicals as well as the large investments made by the Government of Venezuela in prevention and treatment services and in broader poverty reduction and other social programmes targeting vulnerable populations. The findings of the mission will be discussed by the Board at its 112 th session to be held in February 2015, and results will be reflected in the 2015 INCB Annual Report, to be published in early 2016.

©1995-2024 International Narcotics Control Board