Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro seen on Aug. 17, 2024, in Caracas, Venezuela. He is facing charges of narco-terrorism and is in a federal court in New York this afternoon.
Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images
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Alfredo Lasry R/Getty Images
NEW YORK — Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, made their first court appearance in New York City on Thursday, facing charges of narco-terrorism. The pair are accused of conspiring to flood the United States with cocaine.
The proceedings are taking place before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein. This marks the first public appearance of the former Venezuelan leader since his capture over the weekend following what has been described as a U.S. operation in Caracas.
Charges Detail Alleged Narco-Terrorism Scheme
Maduro faces charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, and weapons charges. Cilia Flores, along with other high-ranking Venezuelan officials—including one of Maduro’s sons—are also implicated in the alleged scheme.
What are the charges against Maduro? He is accused of conspiring to flood the United States with tons of cocaine, allegedly using violence and intimidation to facilitate the drug trafficking operation.
The U.S. government alleges that Maduro and his associates worked with the FARC, a Colombian rebel group, to ship cocaine to the U.S. in exchange for military support. The indictment details a complex network of corruption and violence allegedly orchestrated by Maduro and his inner circle.
This is a developing story.
