WorldThe United States blacklisted Venezuela's Vice President Tareck El Aissami for drug trafficking, the first crackdown by the Trump administration against a top official in President Nicolas Maduro's government for money laundering and the drug trade. The U.S. Department of Treasury said it designated El Aissami for sanctions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. U.S. officials called Lopez Bello a “key frontman” used by El Aissami to handle financial matters and purchase assets. The unpopular Venezuelan president has so far treaded carefully with Trump. Their letter referred to El Aissami, noting that his recent appointment as executive vice president put him in line to become Venezuela's next leader.

Source: Sunday Times February 14, 2017 12:34 UTC