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Trump Blames Maduro for Drug Crisis, Experts Disagree

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Nicolás Maduro is responsible for drug trafficking into the United States and overdose deaths.
Experts say these claims are exaggerated.
Analysts say Venezuela has a limited role in cocaine trafficking and no connection to fentanyl, produced mainly in Mexico.
The Drug Enforcement Administration does not list Venezuela as a fentanyl source.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Nicolás Maduro is responsible for drug trafficking into the United States and overdose deaths.
Experts say these claims are exaggerated.
Analysts say Venezuela has a limited role in cocaine trafficking and no connection to fentanyl, produced mainly in Mexico.
The Drug Enforcement Administration does not list Venezuela as a fentanyl source.