VENEZUELA’S Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino López has launched a military exercise in the part of the country nearest to Trinidad and Tobago’s northwest coast in a bid to “cleanse the area" of criminal activity linked to TT.

Speaking at the launch of Operation Cumanagoto 200 in Sucre state on September 21, Padrino López said the measure is part of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces' (FANB) moves to secure the territory.

A report on radiomiraflores.net.ve said Padrino Lopez claimed human trafficking, and the smuggling of fuel, arms and ammunition are major problems in that state and many of those illegal activities are linked to TT.