…Ship seized was illegally flying Guyana’s flag
WASHINGTON, DC -- THE Donald Trump administration has intensified its pressure campaign on the Nicolás Maduro government in Venezuela, imposing new sanctions on several of the embattled leader’s relatives and key backers.
The latest move comes as the US expands its military presence and interdiction efforts across Caribbean waters. Both the US Treasury Department and the Department of State confirmed the sanctions, with the latter stating:
“Today, the United States is sanctioning four individuals and six entities, and identifying six vessels, for propping up Maduro’s corrupt and illegitimate regime in Venezuela. As the leader of the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) Cartel de los Soles, Maduro continues to destabilize our region. He and his cronies have flouted the will of the Venezuelan people and devastated the country’s economy.”
The Treasury Department identified Efraín Antonio Campo Flores, Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, and Carlos Erik Malpica Flores among those sanctioned.
“These sanctions target three of Maduro’s nephews, two of whom are convicted narco-traffickers. In October 2022 they were granted clemency by the previous administration as part of a prisoner exchange involving seven U.S. nationals held in Venezuela. Both men returned to Venezuela and, as of 2025, have continued their drug trafficking activities. Today’s action also targets Venezuela’s oil sector, including a businessman and six shipping companies, and identifies six vessels as blocked property.”
The announcement came just hours after the US seized an oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea that was found to be illegally flying the flag of Guyana.
Since September, the US has carried out multiple strikes on vessels it claims were transporting drugs to the US mainland — including a double strike on one vessel. The escalation has sparked growing unease across the Caribbean, where more than 80 people have been killed in related operations since the first strike.
During a Fireside Chat, Dr. Denzil Douglas, Foreign Affairs Minister and Chair of the Council for Foreign Relations, said he and incoming CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew are committed to ensuring the region remains a “zone of peace.”
“It has created concern because maybe since World War II, we have not seen this kind of military buildup within the region. But, we will continue as a member of the United Nations body to impress upon all concerned that we do not wish the area to be militarised in the way that we have seen it being militarised,” he said.
The US, with support from Trinidad and Tobago, continues to claim — without presenting supporting evidence — that its operations are targeting drug traffickers.
Dr. Douglas stressed that while St. Kitts and Nevis remains committed to combating drug and human trafficking, regional stability must also be protected. “CARICOM and this government, this foreign minister, our prime minister, Dr. Drew, I’m certain, subscribe to that same position,” he said.
