68 tons of narcotics seized in Venezuela in 2005
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2005-11-29 13:54

The Venezuelan government has seized 68 tons of narcotics in 2005, up 58 percent on a year-on-year basis, Interior and Justice Minister Jesse Chacon announced in Caracas Monday.

Addressing the opening ceremony of an international anti-drug conference, Chacon said 62 percent of the seized drugs were cocaine while the rest were heroin and marijuana.

He said the three-day conference, which was attended by nearly 40 experts from the European Union (EU), Venezuela and Caribbean states, could serve as a stage for the related parties to exchange experience in fighting international drug-trafficking.

He said the conference was aimed at strengthening the efforts by the EU, Venezuela and Caribbean states to probe the destinations and routes of drug trafficking, as well as the consumption of drugs and their profitability in the region.