eform of the judicial system is designed to reduce the opportunities for corruption in the current system. In 1998 a comprehensive bill to combat organized crime passed through the Lower House of the Venezuelan Congress. It contained provisions to target conspiracy, facilitate asset seizure, and expand money laundering investigations. The Government, with the CNA taking a lead role, overcame some private sector resistance to the bill and kept it among legislative priorities for the year. Despite adoption by the Lower House, the bill was not considered by the Senate before Congress closed early to prepare for legislative and presidential elections. This key bill remains a priority for Venezuelan policy makers and law enforcement officials and its implementation is vital to enhance the effectiveness of operations against drug trafficking organizations in Venezuela. Addressing inefficiency and corruption in the judicial sector, the Government focused on preparing for a comprehensive reform of the penal code (adopted in late 1997) to change the justice system from the current written, inquisitorial approach to an oral, adversarial system. This major undertaking has involved construction of new facilities, establishment of new infrastructure, and extensive training programs for judges, prosecutors and police. The centerpiece of the reform, the new Criminal Procedures Code, is due to be implemented fully in July 1999. The CNA took a public stand against corrupt judges in 1998, pressing for investigations of those who released narco-traffickers under suspicious circumstances. Considerable attention led to disciplinary action against some judges by the judicial council responsible for discipline in the judiciary, but much more needs to be done in this area. In October, the Government moved to reorganize the Customs sector--a major element in controlling narcotics smuggling through ports and airports. The reform addresses all aspects of c...
