US Doubles Venezuela Dictator’s Bounty to $50M
Maduro Accused of Drug Trafficking, Threatening National Security
The United States has significantly escalated its efforts against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, doubling the reward for information leading to his arrest to $50 million. This move underscores ongoing concerns about his alleged involvement in international drug trafficking and threats to U.S. security.
Major Accusations Revealed
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increased reward, asserting that Maduro utilizes foreign terrorist organizations, including the Aragua Train and the Sinaloa Cartel, to flood the U.S. with dangerous narcotics.
“To date, the DEA has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his accomplices, of which almost seven tons are linked to Maduro himself, which represents a fundamental source of income for cartels based in Venezuela and Mexico. Cocaine is usually mixed with fentanyl, which has caused the loss and destruction of innumerable American lives.”
—Pam Bondi, Attorney General
Bondi further detailed that the Department of Justice has already confiscated over $700 million in assets tied to Maduro, including aircraft and vehicles. “Maduro‘s horror regime continues. It is one of the world’s greatest drug traffickers and a threat to our national security,” she stated.
Past Actions and Ongoing Charges
The U.S. first indicted Maduro in 2020 on charges of narcoterrorist conspiracy and international cocaine trafficking, a rare action against a sitting head of state. The U.S. government is urging anyone with information to contact them via phone or online.
Disputed Election Results
The announcement comes amid controversy surrounding Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential elections. While official results declared Maduro the winner, independent observers and opposition groups, citing thousands of minutes, allege that Edmundo González Urrutia secured a significant victory with 67% of the vote, contrasting with Maduro‘s reported 30%. The opposition coalition, led by María Corina Machado, contends the official outcome does not reflect the populace’s will.
Following the election dispute, González Urrutia reportedly relocated to Spain. The Venezuelan government subsequently issued an arrest warrant for him, offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to his capture. In 2022, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime reported that global cocaine production reached an all-time high of over 2,300 metric tons, highlighting the scale of the illicit drug trade (UNODC, 2024 World Drug Report).
Maduro remains a fugitive from U.S. justice, with the Department of Justice emphasizing that under President Donald Trump‘s administration, he will be held accountable for his alleged crimes.
