U.S. amplifies reward for capture of Maduro to $50 million dollars
The United States has increased the reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, offering a historic $50 million (€43 million) for information leading to his apprehension. This move comes as Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and arms possession, among other offenses.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Maduro is accused of leading the Venezuela-based criminal organization, Cartel de los Soles, for over a decade. This group is responsible for trafficking drugs, including cocaine, into the United States. In July 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization due to its connections to narco-terrorism and support for foreign terrorist organizations.
The charges against Maduro include narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine into the U.S., and possession and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices in connection with drug trafficking offenses. These charges fall under Title 21 U.S.C. §§ 960a and 963 and 18 U.S.C. § 924.
The U.S. government considers Maduro one of the world's largest narcotraffickers and a threat to U.S. national security due to his leadership role in Cartel de los Soles and its violent drug trafficking operations targeting the United States.
Notably, Maduro is also alleged to have worked with criminal groups such as Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel. Previously, during Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021, Maduro and other high-ranking Venezuelans were indicted on several charges, including participating in a "narco-terrorism" conspiracy.
In response to the increased bounty, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil described the move as "pathetic." Gil also accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of orchestrating a "crude political propaganda operation."
It has been reported that U.S. authorities seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, with nearly 7 tons linked to Maduro himself. Maduro has also been accused of smuggling fentanyl-laced cocaine into the U.S.
This article was edited by Sean Sinico. Gil's comments on this matter were made on Telegram, where he also accused Bondi of trying to please the defeated far right in Venezuela with her statements and described the announcement of the increased bounty as "the most ridiculous smokescreen ever seen." Gil further stated that he was debunking terrorist plots allegedly orchestrated from the United States.
The Department of Justice has seized assets worth more than $700 million linked to Maduro, including two private jets. The U.S. government presents these charges as part of a broader effort to hold Maduro accountable for facilitating narcotics trafficking intertwined with terrorism and violence.
- The increased reward for Maduro's apprehension by the U.S. government was prominent in general news media, with the policy and legislation surrounding war-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice being the focus.
- The U.S. government's designation of Cartel de los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization, their accusations against Maduro, and the seizure of assets linked to him were topics of debate in the realm of politics and international relations.
- As the world grapples with various issues, the case of Maduro, a high-profile narcotrafficker accused of leading a criminal organization, has sparked heavy debates on policy and legislation, particularly within the media and politics, as well as discussions on crime and justice.
