U.S. Doubles Reward for Nicolás Maduro’s Arrest Amid Drug Trafficking Allegations
The Trump administration has raised the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, up from the previous $25 million. This announcement was made by Attorney General Pam Bondi, who highlighted Maduro’s alleged involvement in severe criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violence linked to major cartels.
Maduro’s Ties to Criminal Gangs
Bondi accused Maduro of working with dangerous gangs like Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel to bring drugs and violence into the United States. She stated that Maduro is one of the largest narcotraffickers globally and a serious threat to U.S. national security.
Legal Actions Against Maduro
The U.S. government has already indicted Maduro on charges including narco-terrorism and conspiracy to import cocaine. In 2020, a federal indictment accused him of collaborating with the Cartel de Los Soles. This Venezuelan drug-trafficking organization involved high-ranking officials. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates.
U.S. Officials Criticize Maduro’s Leadership
Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Maduro’s leadership, emphasizing that he is not the legitimate president of Venezuela following the controversial 2024 election. Rubio reaffirmed the U.S.’s support for Venezuela’s return to democratic order and justice.
Maduro’s Dismissal of U.S. Claims
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil dismissed the reward announcement, calling it a “smokescreen” and political propaganda. Maduro’s government continues to deny the allegations and has dismissed U.S. actions as politically motivated.
This increase in the reward underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the stakes in international drug enforcement and governance continuing to rise.
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