In its 2011 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR) released today, the U.S. government dubs Venezuela one of the “principal drug-transit countries in the Western Hemisphere.” According to the yearly report, drug cartels have taken an interest in what Venezuela has to offer – weak anti-money laundering laws, limited bilateral cooperation with other countries, corruption in law enforcement, and its strategic location near drug-producing countries. In short, Venezuela has become a haven for drug traffickers seeking to strengthen their distribution and money laundering operations. The report asserts that corruption plays a big role in Venezuela’s role in drug trafficking. Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for 2010 ranks Venezuela 164 out of 178 countries.

When it comes to an indictment of Venezuela for their actions – or lack thereof – in drug trafficking, there is perhaps no more interesting case study than that of Walid Makled. The Venezuelan kingpin was arrested in August 2010 by Colombian authorities now considering his extradition to the United States.

In an interview last year with Colombia’s RCN TV, Makled said he “gave [drug] money to 15 Venezuelan generals” and implicated at least four high-level ranking officers: General Hugo Carvajal, Director of Venezuela’s Military Intelligence; General Henry Rangel Silva, Operations Commander for the Venezuelan Armed Forces; General Luis Mota, National Guard Commander; and General Nestor Reverón, Head of Anti-Drug Office.

“As evidence of what I’m saying, I have vouchers, account numbers where I have deposited money in the name of wives, brothers and sisters” of “ministers, generals, admirals, colonels and five deputies of the National Assembly,” said Makled.

Chávez has pleaded with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos to send the Venezuelan national home. Coincidence? We think not.