Venezuela confirms defection of former security agent to U.S.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro (R) talks to National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello during a meeting with members of the United Socialist party in Caracas in this September 1, 2014 picture provided by Miraflores Palace. REUTERS/Miraflores Palace/Handout via Reuters

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuelan officials confirmed on Tuesday the defection of a former bodyguard of Socialist Party heavyweight Diosdado Cabello but denied media reports his evidence to U.S. investigators implicated the powerful official in running a drug ring.

Spanish newspaper ABC and Miami-based El Nuevo Herald reported Cabello's former security chief Leamsy Salazar had fled and was collaborating with U.S. authorities investigating allegations of Venezuelan officials' involvement in drugs.