CARACAS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela has seized more than seven tons of illicit drugs so far this year, Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said Tuesday, refuting the accusation that Venezuela facilitates drug trafficking.

"We have seized 7,148 kg of drugs this year, and we are just getting started," Cabello said at a press conference, referring to "Operation Soledad," which was recently carried out in Ciudad Bolivar in southern Bolivar state.

In addition to dealing a "major blow" against drug trafficking, the operation debunks "the narrative that Venezuela facilitates drug trafficking," he said. "No drugs will pass through here."

During this operation, authorities seized "238 bales of drugs," totaling 6,850.41 kg, he said.

The cache contained 14,280 packages, with 14,199 being marijuana and 81 being cocaine.

According to Cabello, 2025 was a successful year for the various agencies fighting drug trafficking, with the seizure of almost 70 tons of drugs.

Cabello said one of the biggest seizures occurred along the Orinoco River, one of the largest rivers in South America, with extensive navigable channels.

"We are going to destroy that (drug trafficking) route," even though it poses a significant challenge due to its length, Cabello said. ■