What Are Maduro and Flores Accused Of?

According to the unsealed indictments, U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro and senior Venezuelan officials spent more than 25 years abusing state power to traffic massive quantities of cocaine into the United States.

Key allegations include:

Importing “tons of cocaine” into the U.S. with state protection

Providing law‑enforcement cover and logistical support to major criminal groups, including the Sinaloa Cartel and Tren de Aragua gang

Using diplomatic passports and government institutions to facilitate trafficking networks

A separate indictment accuses Maduro and his co‑defendants of using and carrying firearms, including machine guns, to support drug‑trafficking operations.

Venezuela’s Role in the Global Cocaine Trade
While Venezuela is not a major cocaine producer, U.S. authorities say it has become a critical transit hub for Colombian cocaine moving toward the United States and Europe.
The indictments describe the Venezuelan state under Maduro as a “narco‑terrorist enterprise” that enabled traffickers to operate with official protection.

What Happens Next?
Maduro and Flores have waived their right to a speedy trial until at least mid‑March, when they are next scheduled to appear in court.
Legal experts expect a prolonged battle over jurisdiction, extradition legality, and the political implications of trying a former head of state in U.S. federal court.