A US Court has charged Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, firearms offenses and related crimes.
The indictment, made public by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors claim that Maduro leveraged his position of power in Venezuela to transport enormous quantities of cocaine to the United States over a period exceeding twenty years.
Alleged Drug Trafficking Operations and Violence
Court documents outline alleged activities, including the use of Venezuelan diplomatic passports to protect traffickers, sending multi-ton cocaine shipments via air and sea, and providing armed security for drug operations. The indictment also mentions kidnappings, bribery, and acts of violence to maintain control over trafficking routes.
Maduro and his co-defendants are further accused of possessing machine guns and other destructive devices in connection with the drug conspiracy. Authorities assert these weapons were employed to enforce authority and safeguard the shipments.
If found guilty, the charges could result in life imprisonment. Additionally, the US government is seeking to seize assets linked to the alleged crimes, including profits from drug trafficking and properties used to facilitate these operations.
Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in Manhattan, where prosecutors are expected to request that he remain in custody until his trial.
US Position On Nicolas Maduro
The United States has long accused Maduro of corruption and drug trafficking. It does not recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president, citing disputed elections and widespread international criticism of his government.
Dramatic Capture In Military Operation
On January 3, Maduro was captured in a bold, dramatic military operation reminiscent of a Hollywood film. Delta Force reportedly carried out the raid in the early hours, taking Maduro from Caracas by US helicopter. He was then flown aboard the USS Iwo Jima at an undisclosed location in the Caribbean Sea.
From there, Maduro was taken to the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, before being transferred to another plane headed for Stewart Air Force Base in New York’s Orange County. He was finally transported by helicopter to New York City.
Delcy Rodríguez Appointed Acting President Of Venezuela
Meanwhile, following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan Supreme Court on Saturday ordered Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to serve as acting president.
The court stated it will review the situation to establish the legal procedures needed to ensure the continuity of government, maintain administration, and safeguard the country’s sovereignty during the president’s absence.
