CIA Backed Program in Venezuela Saw Thousands of Pounds of Cocaine Shipped to Caracas and Later Sent to the United States

Caracas and Washington — In 1990 a covert so called counter‑narcotics program run with the help of the Central Intelligence Agency in Venezuela resulted in thousands of pounds of cocaine being shipped to Caracas by Colombian traffickers and stored there before being sent north to the United States.

The operation centered on a Venezuelan National Guard anti‑drug unit led by General Ramón Guillén Dávila. The unit worked closely with CIA officers who sought to infiltrate Colombian smuggling networks by building relationships with middlemen and low‑level suppliers. Venezuelan forces accepted deliveries of Colombian cocaine into Caracas and stored the drugs at intelligence facilities as part of the operation.

Senior CIA and Venezuelan officers hoped that controlled shipments would help them gain trust with higher-level traffickers and produce actionable intelligence. Officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration objected to the plan and were not informed in advance. DEA leaders warned that allowing the drugs to move through could violate U.S. law and federal policy.

In late 1990, at least one shipment originating from stocks in Caracas was intercepted by U.S. authorities at Miami International Airport. Reports at the time suggested that the Venezuelan operation had accumulated as much as three thousand pounds of cocaine, with portions seized in Miami and traced back to the Venezuelan anti‑drug unit.

The incident prompted internal disciplinary action within the CIA, including the resignation of one agency officer, and triggered a federal grand jury investigation in Miami. General Guillén was later indicted on charges tied to large-scale cocaine smuggling, while his top civilian aide was arrested and sentenced in the United States. Guillén remained in Venezuela, where extradition never occurred.

Members of Congress used the episode to press for clearer limits and stronger oversight of intelligence activities that intersect with criminal investigations. Lawmakers argued that covert efforts that lack coordination with law enforcement risk legal violations and endanger communities affected by the drug trade.

Officials reviewing the program called it a failure of judgment and management. For communities affected by the cocaine trade, the human cost was immediate. For policymakers, the incident became a cautionary example of the dangers of intelligence operations conducted without strict legal oversight.

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Timeline of Key Events

• Late 1980s — The CIA begins funding and supporting a Venezuelan National Guard anti‑drug unit to infiltrate Colombian trafficking networks.

• 1990 — Colombian traffickers deliver thousands of pounds of cocaine to Caracas. Venezuelan forces, in coordination with the CIA, store the drugs at intelligence facilities.

• 1990 — Controlled shipments are flown from Caracas to the United States. At least one shipment, approximately 800 pounds, is seized by U.S. Customs at Miami International Airport.

• Early 1990s — DEA officials raise objections and warn that the operation could violate U.S. law.

• 1993 — CIA internal review finds poor judgment and management. One officer resigns, others disciplined.

• Mid‑1990s — Federal grand jury in Miami indicts General Guillén on cocaine smuggling charges. His top aide is arrested and sentenced in the United States. Guillén remains in Venezuela without extradition.

• Late 1990s — Congress debates oversight of intelligence operations and coordination with law enforcement, citing the Venezuela cocaine shipments as a cautionary example.