The announcement extends ongoing tensions as Maduro faces international backlash regarding his leadership and alleged criminal activities.
US Doubles Reward to $50 Million for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's Arrest
US Doubles Reward to $50 Million for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's Arrest
The US government has significantly upped its reward for information leading to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro amidst serious drug trafficking allegations.
US authorities have declared a staggering $50 million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro, accusing the Venezuelan leader of serving as “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” This reward has been doubled from an earlier offer of $25 million and comes as part of the US government's ongoing campaign against narcotics and corruption tied to Maduro's regime.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increased reward, emphasizing that the Maduro administration is directly connected to extensive drug trafficking operations. The comments echo longstanding criticisms from US officials who have labeled Maduro a criminal ruler since he took office following a widely critiqued election in January.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the new reward as an act of "political propaganda," suggesting the offer signals desperation amidst controversies surrounding the US administration. Following allegations surrounding the handling of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Gil stated that the move attempts to distract from domestic issues.
Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US has accused Maduro and other Venezuelan officials of various offenses, namely narco-terrorism and corruption. US officials have implicated Maduro in collaboration with Colombian rebel groups, stating he utilized cocaine as a means to "flood" the US market and undermine US interests.
In a detailed video shared on social media, Bondi alleged that Maduro is linked to infamous organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), approximately 30 tons of cocaine attributed to Maduro and his associates have been seized, with seven tons specifically linked to Maduro.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Maduro has repeatedly refuted claims of involvement in drug trafficking. The increasing belligerence in US-Venezuela relations has been underscored by Maduro’s attempts to quell dissent and maintain power amidst widespread national opposition.
Recently, Hugo Carvajal, a former high-ranking Venezuelan military intelligence officer, was convicted in the US on drug charges after being apprehended in Madrid. His courtroom revelations, coupled with his strategic reversal to guilty pleas, suggest potential cooperation with US officials, sparking rumors of further damning evidence against Maduro.
As the US continues to advocate for sanctions against Maduro’s government, the ramifications of the reward announcement remain uncertain, raising questions about future US efforts to hold Venezuelan leadership accountable for alleged criminal misconduct.
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increased reward, emphasizing that the Maduro administration is directly connected to extensive drug trafficking operations. The comments echo longstanding criticisms from US officials who have labeled Maduro a criminal ruler since he took office following a widely critiqued election in January.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the new reward as an act of "political propaganda," suggesting the offer signals desperation amidst controversies surrounding the US administration. Following allegations surrounding the handling of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Gil stated that the move attempts to distract from domestic issues.
Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the US has accused Maduro and other Venezuelan officials of various offenses, namely narco-terrorism and corruption. US officials have implicated Maduro in collaboration with Colombian rebel groups, stating he utilized cocaine as a means to "flood" the US market and undermine US interests.
In a detailed video shared on social media, Bondi alleged that Maduro is linked to infamous organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), approximately 30 tons of cocaine attributed to Maduro and his associates have been seized, with seven tons specifically linked to Maduro.
Despite the intense scrutiny, Maduro has repeatedly refuted claims of involvement in drug trafficking. The increasing belligerence in US-Venezuela relations has been underscored by Maduro’s attempts to quell dissent and maintain power amidst widespread national opposition.
Recently, Hugo Carvajal, a former high-ranking Venezuelan military intelligence officer, was convicted in the US on drug charges after being apprehended in Madrid. His courtroom revelations, coupled with his strategic reversal to guilty pleas, suggest potential cooperation with US officials, sparking rumors of further damning evidence against Maduro.
As the US continues to advocate for sanctions against Maduro’s government, the ramifications of the reward announcement remain uncertain, raising questions about future US efforts to hold Venezuelan leadership accountable for alleged criminal misconduct.
