Gregory Meeks: “we are also told that statistics on drug seizures at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas are not…”

“we are also told that statistics on drug seizures at the Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas are not available, but the truth of the matter is no one must have asked for the information. Because I called and asked for the information, and they provided me with the following, and I have charts that I would like to present for the Record. There is a chart identifying where seizures took place in 2005, two charts define how much cocaine and heroin was seized at the airport and at Santiago Marino Airport since 2002. I have a chart identifying nationality of individuals involved in drugs and have been caught since 2002. And I have several charts identifying the type of drug and the quantity confiscated in Venezuela in 2005, the number of security agencies and personnel involved in drug confiscation throughout Venezuela, persons from Venezuela arrested for drugs in Venezuela, and the number of foreigners arrested for drugs in Venezuela. So I have all of these that I would also like to submit at the end for the Record. Their information is available. They have been sharing this with us. This resolution further threatens the delicate relationship between our two countries. And, consequently, for me, I am really concerned. I happen to represent an international airport, JFK, John F. Kennedy International Airport; and I understand the importance of keeping drugs out. To me, that is what the bottom line is. This isn't about us against them.…”