Considered as Venezuela's second most powerful man, Parliament Head Diosdado Cabello has explicitly denied allegations that he was involved in the drug trade. This was after U.S. media reports have surfaced stating that he, as well as other officials, were under investigation for drug trafficking and money laundering.
Reports have emerged in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times that pertain to accusations from the United States government that the regimes of President Nicolas Maduro and his predecessor, Hugo Chavez, have been involved in cocaine shipments, according to Reuters.
However, the 52-year-old former army lieutenant brushed off the allegations from the U.S. authorities and others, calling the accusations a personal attack and part of U.S. efforts to destabilize socialism in Venezuela, according to The Wall Street Journal.
"It would never occur to us to get involved in something that would hurt young people," he said.
"Those who accuse me of being a drug trafficker: produce one piece of evidence... Just one," he added.
The charges outlined in the media reports pertaining to the Venezuelan officials' involvement in the cocaine trade can make it difficult for those who are under investigation to travel or hold assets abroad, according to Reuters.
Opposition leaders in Venezuela, who have been making similar claims about the government for years, are now demanding that actions be taken to address the accusations.
"These are grave accusations which suggest that our country has become a bridge for drug trafficking," opposition leader Henrique Capriles said.
Cabello has been firm on his stance that he is innocent of the charges, however. Last month, he filed a defamation lawsuit against 22 executives journalists who contributed to and distributed the reports, according to The Wall Street Journal.
"For all of those in Venezuela that reproduced the news, I say 'See you in court,'" Mr. Cabello assured.
The embattled parliament head has affirmed his stance in a National Assembly meeting, where he gave a speech that earned him a standing ovation from his supporters.
"I won't surrender; not today, not tomorrow, not ever," he said.
