Apure, Venezuela along new drug route to North America; Controlled by FARC

Officials have determined that the state of Apure in Venezuela is a crucial stop along a drug route from South America to the United States and Europe. Because the state is located along the Colombian border, most of the drugs passing through are related to FARC. According to La Patilla, 24% of cocaine that reaches the United States passes through Apure. A New York Times report indicated 121 illegal drug routes in Apure. Governor Ramón Carrizales stated that Venezuelan forces continue to combat the drug problem in the area and have so far destroyed 36 clandestine airstrips. Venezuela has seized 23,830 kilograms of drugs so far in 2012. Read Article