In a show aired Sunday night on Spanish-language TV network Univisión, suspected Venezuelan drug kingpin Walid Makled said he has “conclusive evidence” of the involvement of high-ranking Venezuelan officials in the production and distribution of drugs. Highlights of the interview in the program “Aquí y Ahora” include the following allegations:
–Makled paid $5.5 million to Venezuela’s current navy commander for a major warehouse concession at Port Cabello, the country’s main port.
–On a monthly basis, Makled made payoffs totaling $1 million to at least 40 senior Venezuelan military officials.
–Venezuelan Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Henry Rangel Silva and Military Intelligence Chief Hugo Carvajal were on Makled’s illicit “payroll”.
–At least five cocaine-laden planes flew daily from the city of San Fernando de Apure with “100 percent” knowledge of Venezuelan officials.
–The Venezuelan military protects drug labs in the country.
Makled, also known as “El Turco” (the Turk), said he is in possession of six videotapes that are part of the “conclusive evidence” he is only willing to share with U.S. prosecutors. That may never happen, unless Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos changes his mind. The Colombian president finds himself between a rock and a hard place. Both Venezuela and the United States have requested Makled’s extradition. In deciding, Santos must choose between indulging its next door neighbor or complying with the desires of its most important ally. Colombia’s Supreme Court approved Makled’s extradition on March 25. President Santos has signaled he is leaning towards honoring Venezuela’s request.
During the interview conducted at the “La Picota” prison in Bogotá, Makled was asked about his ties to terrorist groups FARC and Hezbollah. Makled, who is the son of Syrian immigrant’s, would say only: “That, as well, I will tell to a U.S. prosecutor.”