Is Venezuela's Incoming Defense Chief A Drug 'Kingpin'?

Venezuela’s Chavez Names Gen. Henry Rangel Silva New Defense Minister. Latin American Herald Tribune

U.S. Considers Venezuela's Incoming Defense Chief A Drug 'Kingpin' -- CNN

(CNN) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has tapped a leading general accused by the United States of being a drug "kingpin" to be the country's new defense minister.

Gen. Henry Rangel Silva will replace Carlos Mata Figueroa, according to the state-run AVN news agency. Chavez, who called Rangel a "good soldier," made the announcement Friday in the central city of Guanare, the agency reported.

The United States added Rangel to its kingpin list in 2008 for allegedly providing support to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, commonly known as the FARC.

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More News On Venezuela's Incoming Defense Chief And Allegations That He Is A Drug "Kingpin"

Venezuela: Chavez names close ally accused of drug ties by US as his new defense minister -- Washington Post/AP
Chavez names minister cited by US in drug trafficking -- AFP
Venezuela names defense minister accused by U.S. as drug kingpin -- Reuters

WNU Editor: The U.S. Treasury's Indictment on Gen. Henry Rangel Silva can be read here.