The economic situation in Venezuela continues its downward spiral, the latest insane report involves hungry citizens carjacking a chicken truck out of pure desperation.
A video captured by local news shows a crowd of hungry Venezuelans overwhelming a truck and stealing the live chickens it was hauling.
The socialist government essentially seized control of the food industry, leaving the military responsible for production, distribution and marketing of basic necessities. Price controls, over-regulation and even literal food police who monitor how much food citizens buy are all part of Maduro’s tightening grip on the industry. Most believe these policies are the reason for the massive food shortages.
According to T13 news, President Maduro has a 75% unfavorable rating.
Maduro has blamed economic woes on political enemies, arguing big businesses just want him out of power. He also claims foreign governments and gangs are creating conditions for “economic war” in the country.
Earlier this year, T13 posted pictures of the typical refrigerator in Venezuela – it’s a pretty sad sight. Think college dorm room fridge and cut it in half.
Trying to feed a family is becoming risky business – buying a cart full of groceries will draw suspicion from national guard troops and possibly even arrest. The Washington Post recently reported:
According to the Caracas-based rights group Provea, national guard troops have periodically carried out a mass-arrest operation nicknamed “Dracula’s Bus” to round up Venezuelans trying to wait in line overnight for groceries, now a banned practice.
Over 1,000 were hauled off after being accused of operating on the black food market.
A growing market, thanks to the stunning fact that 90% of Venezuelans can’t afford enough food and inflation is nearly 500%.
It’s causing people to flood the Columbian border in an attempt to buy food.
In the midst of it all, however, not all hope is lost. While the situation is desperate, many good people and churches are on the ground trying to help and in the process are bringing at least some hope and comfort during a trying time.
WATCH: Venezuelans head to Columbia for food: