On September 21, Venezuelan Defence Minister Lopez announced the launch of Operation Kumanagoto 200 to clean up organizations linked to drug trafficking in the coastal region of the northwestern state of Sucre.

Lopez pointed out that there is a large number of fuel smuggling, gun smuggling and human trafficking in the neighboring areas of Makuro, Ponta, and Paria, such as Trinidad and Tobago, in the state of Sucre. At the order of President Maduro, 60 rapid reaction forces under the national armed forces will be deployed in 15 cities in the region, and all maritime, air and land forces will be used to conduct "real bombing exercises" to completely eradicate any terrorist organization and drug trafficking group carrying out illegal activities.