For breaching official rate, they stop merchant in Zulia state

A 45 -year -old merchant, identified as Nelson Enrique Durán Castellanos, was arrested this Wednesday in the city of Cabimas, Zulia state, allegedly collecting his clients at an unofficial exchange rate. The arrest was made by the Bolivarian Police Corps of the Zulia State in a commercial premises located on Independencia Street, Ambrosio parish.

According to regional media reports, Durán charged in his establishment at a rate higher than set by the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV), incurring alleged price speculation. It is still unknown if the arrest was the product of a routine procedure or a complaint by a client. Durán was transferred to the municipal dungeons by officials of the Col-Norte Police Coordination Center.

It is expected to be accused of the crimes of usury and speculation, in accordance with the Law of Fair Prices. During the operation, the authorities seized a cell phone as evidence. After the detention and verification of their data, Durán was put into police custody and disposal of the local Public Ministry. This action is produced in the context of the recent called government to respect the exchange rate established by the BCV. Nicolás Maduro has urged the population not to encourage the use of the parallel dollar, known as «war dollar.»