MOSCOW, October 16 (RIA Novosti) - Police in Venezuela have seized a total of 500 kg of marijuana, which was illegally brought into country from the neighboring Colombia, a local newspaper reported.
El Universal newspaper cited Wilmer Flores Trosel, head of the Venezuelan Corps for Scientific Penal and Criminal Investigations (CICPC), as saying that the illicit drugs, hidden in mattresses, had been transported by three trucks.
Five unidentified Venezuelan citizens have been detained in a special operation, and police is searching for other suspects involved in drug-trafficking on the border between Venezuela and Colombia.
Despite the efforts of the Colombian authorities, the country remains one of the world leaders in production of illicit drugs, especially cocaine.
The United States and Colombia are currently holding talks that could lead to a boost in U.S. troop numbers at Colombian bases as part of a 10-year deal to help the country tackle its drug trafficking and terrorist problem.
However, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has condemned Colombia's plan to host more U.S. troops as a direct threat to Venezuela and regional security. He has threatened to sever diplomatic relations with Bogota and to cut back on imports of Colombian goods.
