Minister of the Interior and Justice Pedro Carreño believes that behind the US administration's claims that Venezuela is refusing to cooperate to fight drugs there is "a veiled intention to undermine the honor and decorum of the Venezuelan people, Government and President."

He added that the Executive Branch is "ready to receive information (from Washington)" as necessary to deal with drug traffic. However, he stressed that the Venezuelan Government would not allow the US Drug Enforcement Agency to perform operations in Venezuela.

"They may tell us who are the people residing in Venezuela who are involved in illegal drug traffic, and we will swiftly arrest them," Carreño assured.

Last May 6th, US Drug Czar John Walters claimed that "Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has refused to cooperate (in counternarcotics efforts)." However, he reasserted his intention to work together with the Venezuelan Government in this area.