US Doubles Reward to $50 Million for Information Leading to Venezuelan President Maduro’s Arrest

The US has increased its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro from $25 million to $50 million, accusing him of being one of the world’s largest drug traffickers.

President Donald Trump, a long-time critic of Maduro, highlighted Maduro’s alleged involvement in extensive drug smuggling operations, linking him to criminal groups like the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) claims to have seized 30 tons of cocaine connected to Maduro and his associates.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil dismissed the reward as “political propaganda” and a “pathetic” attempt to distract from other US controversies.

Maduro, who returned to power amid disputed elections, has been accused by the US and others of corruption, repression, and drug trafficking. Former Venezuelan intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal, recently convicted in the US, reportedly cooperated with authorities, possibly implicating Maduro.

The UK and EU have also imposed sanctions on Maduro’s government following his contested re-election.