CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — U.S. officials said Monday they believe Venezuela used “threats” against Aruba to achieve the release of a powerful former general who is wanted by the United States on drug-trafficking charges.

“We are disturbed by credible reports that have come to us indicating the Venezuelan government threatened the governments of Aruba, the Netherlands, and others” to obtain the release of former military intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.