Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The White House accuses the President of being “one of the world’s biggest drug trafficers”.
The White House accuses the President of being “one of the world’s biggest drug trafficers”.
What is happening?
The United States has raised its bounty for information leading to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s arrest from $25 million to $50 million.
Washington accuses Maduro of being “one of the world’s biggest drug traffickers,” intensifying an already hostile relationship between the two countries.
Trump’s longstanding criticism of Maduro
U.S. President Donald Trump has been one of Maduro’s most vocal opponents.
Maduro returned to power in January following a disputed election widely condemned by the international community for alleged fraud.
Attorney General’s accusations
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the doubled reward, directly linking Maduro to major drug trafficking networks.
She claimed the Venezuelan leader is deeply embedded in the operations that move large quantities of narcotics.
Caracas dismisses the claims
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil quickly dismissed the move, calling it “pathetic” and “political propaganda.”
He accused Bondi of trying to distract from domestic U.S. controversies, including criticism over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
U.S. Indictments and Narco-Terrorism Allegations
During Trump’s first term, Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials were indicted in the U.S. on charges including narco-terrorism, corruption, and drug trafficking.
Prosecutors claimed Maduro conspired with Colombia’s Farc rebels to “flood” the United States with cocaine.
Alleged Links to Global Criminal Groups
In a video posted on X, Bondi alleged Maduro’s ties to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.
She said the DEA seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, with nearly seven tons allegedly tied to him directly.
Maduro Rejects U.S. Accusations
Maduro has repeatedly denied any involvement in drug trafficking, framing U.S. allegations as politically motivated attacks aimed at undermining his presidency.
A History of U.S.-Venezuela Tensions
The reward increase underscores the deep rift between Washington and Caracas.
Maduro, who succeeded Hugo Chávez in 2013, has faced accusations of silencing opposition, using violence against critics, and clinging to power despite widespread unrest.
The Carvajal Connection
In June, former Venezuelan military intelligence chief Hugo “El Pollo” Carvajal was convicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges.
After initially denying guilt, Carvajal later admitted to the crimes, fueling speculation he had provided U.S. authorities with damaging information on Maduro.
International Pressure Mounts
The United Kingdom and European Union have imposed sanctions on Maduro’s government since his controversial return to power.
