 "Narco-terrorism, cocaine imports and armed conspiracies: 4 charges US has lined up against Maduro in New York")
US authorities have set out a series of federal charges against deposed President Nicolás Maduro, placing the legal case at the centre of a rapidly developing crisis that unfolded in Venezuela early on Saturday. The charges emerged against a backdrop of unrest in Caracas, where explosions were reported across the capital, including at military bases, hours before Maduro was captured.
Following reports of explosions, the Venezuelan government deployed its armed forces and declared a national emergency. As events unfolded, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez appeared ready to step into a leadership role, signalling an attempt to maintain authority amid growing uncertainty.
Capture follows escalating US–Venezuela tensions
Maduro’s arrest followed a period of escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington. The strain deepened after the United States carried out strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, which it said were being used for drug trafficking, further worsening relations between the two nations.
The US has accused Maduro of being personally involved in drug smuggling and of being an illegitimate leader. Maduro has accused the US of intimidation and of seeking to seize Venezuela’s oil.
The indictment outlines four federal charges
Ahead of a trial in New York, US authorities said an unsealed indictment details four federal charges against Maduro, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation and weapons offences.
The charges include:
1. Narco-terrorism conspiracy: Maduro is accused of conspiring to traffic cocaine while supporting terrorist and criminal organisations.
2. Cocaine importation conspiracy: He is alleged to have coordinated large-scale cocaine shipments intended for the United States.
3. Possession of machine guns and destructive devices: He is charged with using and possessing automatic weapons in connection with drug crimes.
4. Conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices: He is accused of plotting with others to commit firearms offences linked to the trafficking operation.
According to the indictment, Maduro is accused of abusing state power, diplomatic channels and security institutions to protect and profit from the drug operation. The document also accuses his wife, Cilia Flores, and his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, of helping facilitate meetings, bribes and cocaine shipments to US cities.
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