The former Venezuelan leader, Nicolás Maduro, has been indicted for orchestrating a widespread drug trafficking operation that has significantly impacted the Latin American region. The indictment, unsealed on March 15, 2024, in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Maduro, along with his wife, Cilia Flores, and his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, participated in a “culture of corruption” that facilitated drug trafficking and supported various criminal organizations.
The indictment details four charges against Maduro and his associates, including conspiracy to engage in narco-terrorism. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who signed the 25-page indictment, emphasized that the corrupt activities extended beyond Venezuela and reached as far as the United States. The document claims that Maduro’s regime has empowered notorious crime syndicates, such as the Tren de Aragua, further entrenching corruption in the region.
According to the indictment, the profits from drug trafficking have flowed to corrupt officials across civilian, military, and intelligence sectors in Venezuela. This system is described as a patronage network controlled by high-ranking individuals within the regime, referred to as the Cartel de Los Soles, named after the sun insignia worn by senior military officials.
The indictment also highlights the strategic geographical position of Venezuela, which has made it a prime location for drug traffickers. Following the rise of former President Hugo Chávez in 1999, the country became a haven for cocaine trafficking, with estimates suggesting that between 200 and 250 tons of cocaine were trafficked annually through Venezuela as of 2020.
Maduro and his associates are accused of collaborating with various narcotics traffickers and terrorist organizations. The indictment specifically mentions partnerships with Colombian militant groups like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the National Liberation Army (ELN), and Mexican drug cartels including the Sinaloa Cartel and Los Zetas.
In a striking claim, the indictment alleges that Maduro Guerra was personally involved in shipping hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Venezuela to Miami around 2017. His role included discussions with drug trafficking partners about shipping logistics and using alternative routes to evade law enforcement.
The U.S. State Department has previously designated the Cartel de Los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), further underscoring the gravity of these allegations. The indictment suggests that the Venezuelan regime has not only facilitated drug trafficking but has also fostered a culture where corruption thrives, impacting political stability in neighboring countries.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the indictment signals a significant escalation in the United States’ efforts to hold Maduro and his regime accountable for their actions. The case is expected to draw international attention, particularly as it reveals the extensive reach of drug trafficking networks in the region and the complicity of high-ranking officials in perpetuating these practices.
