Washington: The United States has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, citing allegations of drug trafficking and links to organised crime.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the updated bounty in a video posted on X, claiming that Maduro has ties to major criminal organisations, including Tren de Aragua and the Sinaloa Cartel.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio further alleged that Maduro leads the Cartel de Los Soles, which has overseen drug trafficking operations into the United States for more than a decade.
Background to the Charges
Maduro was first indicted by US prosecutors on drug trafficking charges in 2020, when a $15 million reward was offered for his arrest. In January 2025, after being sworn in for a third term, the bounty was raised to $25 million alongside new sanctions targeting senior Venezuelan officials.
In February 2025, the US State Department officially designated Tren de Aragua, MS-13, and several Mexican cartels as terrorist organisations. By July, the Cartel de Los Soles was also classified as a global terrorist organisation.
Venezuela Dismisses Allegations
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil denounced the US announcement on Telegram, calling it “the most ridiculous smokescreen the world has ever seen.” He accused Pam Bondi of staging a “media circus” to appease Venezuela’s defeated far-right.
“The dignity of our homeland is not for sale. The country completely rejects this cruel political campaign,” Gil declared.
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