US Raises Bounty on Nicolás Maduro to \$50 Million Over Drug Trafficking Claims

US Raises Bounty on Nicolás Maduro to $50 Million Over Drug Trafficking Claims.

The United States has doubled its reward to $50 million for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, labeling him as one of the world’s most significant narco-traffickers. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the increase, citing Maduro's alleged involvement with criminal networks such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel.

She claimed that nearly seven out of 30 tons of cocaine seized by the DEA were directly linked to the Venezuelan leader. The US government has long accused Maduro of using drug trafficking as a weapon, reportedly in collaboration with Colombia’s Farc rebels, and previously charged him with narco-terrorism and corruption during Trump’s first term.

Venezuela has dismissed the latest accusations as political theater. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil called the reward offer “pathetic” and a distraction from domestic controversies, including backlash over the Epstein case. Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since succeeding Hugo Chávez in 2013, continues to face international pressure over vote-rigging allegations, violent crackdowns on dissent, and economic turmoil.

The conviction of former intelligence chief Hugo Carvajal in a US court on drug trafficking charges has renewed speculation that he may be cooperating with US authorities. Meanwhile, the UK and EU have imposed fresh sanctions following Maduro’s controversial re-election earlier this year.