CRACKING DOWN

Report: U.S. to Impose Sanctions on Venezuela’s VP

Over drug-trafficking and money-laundering allegations.

The U.S. government reportedly plans to impose sanctions against Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami. According to Bloomberg News, the vice president, who took office in January, is under investigation by U.S. agencies over allegations of money laundering and drug trafficking. El Aissami has, however, repeatedly denied the charges. The sanctions, which are still reportedly being drafted, would add El Aissami to a list of “Specially Designated Nationals,” freezing his U.S. assets and barring Americans from doing business with him. The White House did not comment on the reported sanctions, which would likely worsen already tense U.S.-Venezuela relations.