Maduro Says Venezuela Is Ready For Serious Talks With US On Drug Trafficking, Oil Maduro, in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet released on Thursday, said his government is ready for serious talks with the U. on combating drug trafficking and potential American investment in Venezuela's oil sector. Rising Tensions Amid US Pressure Maduro's remarks come amid rising tensions with the U. , which has stepped up pressure on Venezuela, including increased military activity in the Southern Command region, the destruction of alleged drug-smuggling boats, and a naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers. See Also: The Night Trump Tried Hosting — And America Changed The Channel Maduro accused the US of attempting to impose regime change in Venezuela and gain access to the country’s oil reserves. The US has also conducted drone strikes inside Venezuela, including a recent strike on a port facility believed to be used by a Venezuelan gang for drug storage. Since September, at least...