Hunting Maduro: DEA and Delta Force Operations Inside Venezuela | Ep. 275

About this video

Ritland interviews Wes Taber, a former DEA lead agent in Venezuela, about the recent U.S. military operation that removed Nicolás Maduro from power. Taber recounts his time working undercover in Venezuela from 2010-2013, describes the country’s transformation into a narco-state and safe haven for cartels and terrorists, and explains the geopolitical factors that led to U.S. intervention. The discussion covers Venezuela’s ties to Cuba, China, Russia and Iran, the role of maritime drug trafficking, and what might come next for the country.

Key takeaways

• Taber describes Venezuela under Chavez and Maduro as having become a safe haven for cartel kingpins, terrorist groups including FARC, ELN, Hamas and Iranian IRGC, with Cuban intelligence deeply embedded in security operations
• According to Taber, the U.S. operation was driven by Venezuela’s proximity to the U.S. (1,300 miles from Miami), massive cocaine trafficking operations moving tens of metric tons, and growing military ties with China, Russia and Iran that threatened hemispheric security
• Taber recounts being personally followed by Cuban G2 intelligence teams during his DEA work, had a contract placed on his life by narcos, and states he personally worked on intelligence that contributed to the recent operation

Episode details: published January 20, 2026 · 113K views · 2:35:12 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. Stories told by Mike Ritland’s podcast guests are the guests’ own accounts, attributed to them — not independently verified. Commentary is Ritland’s, presented as his analysis.

← Previous: FBI Operation Almost Brings Down THIS Sitting US Senator? · Next: The Real Reason the US Avoids Direct Action in Mexico →

All Mike Ritland videos · Mike Ritland profile · Mike Drop (official site)