Geopolitical Risk & US Foreign Policy - The US administration is considering military strikes against Venezuela, allegedly targeting drug trafficking operations run by President Maduro, with potential land strikes being imminent [1][2][6] - The administration's justification for military actions against drug trafficking is inconsistent, initially focusing on fentanyl but now appearing to target cocaine, with experts questioning the administration's strategy [3][4] - There is a lack of congressional authorization and transparency regarding potential military actions in Venezuela, raising concerns about regime change by presidential fiat [16][18][19] - The shift in US policy towards Venezuela, from negotiation to regime change, is attributed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, raising questions about the extent of President Trump's direct involvement [10] - The administration has lowered the bar for lethal actions, potentially leading to increased civilian casualties and extrajudicial killings [33] Allegations & Evidence - The administration claims that Venezuela exports approximately 500 tons of cocaine annually to Europe and the United States [2] - The administration alleges that Venezuelan military bases are being used for drug trafficking, but there is no evidence presented to Congress to support this claim [26][27] - There are allegations of endemic corruption within the Maduro regime, but the claim that Maduro is directly running a drug cartel is disputed [28] Potential Outcomes - The US military actions could be a bluff to pressure the Maduro government or a prelude to war [15] - The US has a history of unsuccessful attempts to instigate military coups in other countries [25]

Well, joining me now, Democratic Congressman from Washington, Adam Smith. He of course the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee. Congressman, welcome back to the broadcast.Good to have you here. So, if negotiations are going nowhere with Republican lawmakers, could Democrats try to make a deal directly with President Trump. I mean, how else can this shutdown end.>> I think we should. I think, you know, understanding the issue here though is important. The Republicans are refusing to negotiat ...

Illicit Activities - Evidence suggests a Venezuelan boat was involved in illicit activities [1] - The boat's cargo included large quantities of cocaine and fentanyl scattered across the ocean [2] - Recorded evidence indicates the boat was departing with the illicit cargo [2] Evidence and Proof - The company possesses recorded proof and evidence related to the incident [2] - Visual evidence, such as a clip, exists but is not essential due to other forms of proof [2]

Drug Potency - Nitazenes are estimated to be hundreds of times stronger than heroin [1] - Some nitazenes are thought to be dozens of times stronger than fentanyl [1]

Industry Trend - States are cracking down on fentanyl, leading to the spread of a new synthetic opioid [1]