(DCNF)—A coastal Venezuelan city long dependent on smuggling of drugs and other contraband is facing economic collapse and government surveillance following U.S. strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats.
Residents in Güiria, a port city with a population of around 40,000, say U.S bombings have cut off illicit boat traffic that supported much of its local economy, including drug shipments and trade of contraband, food, and consumer goods with nearby states, Reuters reported Friday. With vessels no longer leaving the coast, Güiria’s shop owners report almost no cash moving through the city.
“There was only movement in stores recently because of government bonus payments; otherwise, there’s no money circulating,” said one local merchant, according to Reuters.
“No boats of any kind are leaving … not migrants, not people buying goods there to sell here, and certainly not those taking Venezuelan products to sell there, which was another way to make money. Everything is practically dead,” the merchant added.
Families of several men from Güiria believed to have been killed in the strikes say police and intelligence agents for Venezuela’s socialist government — seen as illegitimate by the U.S. and much of the world — visited them shortly afterward, according to Reuters. The relatives, who asked to remain anonymous for their safety, said officers searched their homes and warned them not to speak publicly. They say they have received no official information about the deaths and have not recovered any bodies.
Since mid-September, security forces have expanded their presence across Güiria. Locals report frequent patrols by personnel from the Venezuelan regime’s Directorate General of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM) and Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), Reuters reported. One former resident described a DGCIM “command center” in a state-owned hotel in a nearby resort town, and a resulting drop in public activity due to the presence of government personnel.
“The people in town know there are individuals who are not part of the community, not from there. People walking around like civilians, but they belong to government intelligence,” said one former resident, according to Reuters. “There’s so much secrecy – no one talks about it because they don’t know if someone is listening.”
The DGCIM is under investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and has been sanctioned by the U.S., facing accusations of systematic abuses, including extrajudicial execution and torture. SEBIN surveillance has targeted journalists, opposition figures, and other targets, Reuters reported.
The degradation of the coastal Venezuelan town comes amid a buildup of naval forces around Venezuela, encompassing some 10% of total U.S. naval assets. U.S. forces have conducted 21 strikes on alleged narcotrafficking ships since Sept. 2, killing over 80. President Donald Trump also authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela in mid-October.
The U.S. government designated the Venezuelan Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in mid-November, alleging that Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro is the cartel’s leader.
Trump suggested to service members on Thursday that U.S. forces will combat alleged drug smugglers in Venezuela by land and not just by sea.
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Three Reasons a Coffee Gift Set From This Christian Company Is Perfect for Christmas
When you’re searching for a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, useful, and rooted in faith, you don’t want to settle for anything generic. This season is filled with noise — mass-produced products, last-minute picks, and trends that fade as quickly as they appear. But one gift stands apart because it blends genuine quality with a message that matters: a coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee.
This small Christian-owned company has become a favorite among believers who want to support faith-driven businesses while giving friends and family something they’ll actually enjoy. Here are three reasons a Promised Grounds Coffee gift set may be the most thoughtful and impactful present you give this year.
1. It’s Truly Delicious Coffee
Too many “gift-worthy” coffees look beautiful in the package but disappoint when the cup is poured. Promised Grounds takes the opposite approach — exceptional taste first, thoughtful presentation second.
Their beans are sourced with care, roasted in small batches, and crafted to bring out a rich, smooth flavor profile that appeals to both casual drinkers and true coffee lovers. Whether someone enjoys bold, dark roasts or lighter, more delicate blends, every sip reflects quality that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the biggest specialty brands.
Simply put: this coffee is good. Really good. Some say it’s absolutely fantastic. If you want a gift that won’t be re-gifted, ignored, or shoved in a cabinet, this is it.
2. It Spreads the Word While Serving a Real Purpose
There are many Christian gifts that are meaningful… but not exactly practical. There are also useful gifts that have nothing to do with faith. Promised Grounds Coffee bridges both worlds beautifully.
Each gift set delivers an encouraging, faith-centered message through its packaging and presentation — a simple but powerful reminder of God’s goodness during the Christmas season. The cups are especially popular and serve as a daily reminder of the blessings from our Lord. At the same time, the product itself is something people will actually use and appreciate every single day.
It’s a gift that uplifts the spirit and fills the mug. A gift that points loved ones toward Scripture while still being part of the normal rhythm of life. And in a culture that increasingly pushes faith to the margins, giving a gift that quietly but confidently honors Christ can make a deeper impact than you might expect.
3. It’s Affordable, Valuable, and Elegantly Presented
Many people want to give something meaningful without breaking their Christmas budget. Promised Grounds Coffee strikes that perfect balance — the sets look and feel premium, but the price remains accessible.
The packaging is classy, clean, and gift-ready, making it ideal for:
- Family members of all ages
- Co-workers or employees
- Church friends or small-group leaders
- Hosts, neighbors, and last-minute gift needs
It’s the kind of gift that feels more expensive than it is — and more thoughtful than most of what you’ll find on store shelves.
The Perfect Blend of Faith, Flavor, and Christmas Cheer
A coffee gift set from Promised Grounds Coffee checks every box: a gift that tastes amazing, conveys your faith, supports a Christian business, and brings daily enjoyment to the person who receives it. In a season when so many gifts are forgotten, this one stands out for all the right reasons.
If you want a Christmas present that reflects your values and delivers genuine joy, Promised Grounds Coffee is the perfect place to start.