Venezuela And Britain Reaffirm Anti-drug Efforts

President Hugo Chavez's government says it is reaffirming an agreement with Britain to work together to prevent drug trafficking.

The state-run Bolivarian News Agency says an official of Britain's Foreign Office signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate with Venezuela on anti-drug operations.

The news agency says Chris Bryant congratulated Chavez's government on stepping up control over ports and airports and destroying clandestine drug labs on the border with Colombia. He met with Venezuelan anti-drug officials in Caracas on Thursday.

U.S. officials have been critical of Venezuela's anti-drug efforts. But the South American nation says it is working hard to combat drug smuggling.