At a Glance
- Plane carrying alleged Tren de Aragua cartel leader landed in New York Saturday.
- New superseding indictment names Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, their son Nicolasito, and “Niño Guerrero” on narco-terror and drug import charges.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the indictment and thanked President Trump for the mission.
Why it matters: The indictment expands U.S. legal pressure on Venezuela’s leadership and signals a new phase of international enforcement.
The U.S. Department of Justice released a superseding indictment against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and key regime figures, coinciding with the arrival of a plane carrying the alleged leader of the Tren de Aragua cartel in New York on Saturday.
Indictment Details
The indictment lists four counts-narco-terrorism conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons. Names named on each count include Nicolás Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, their son Nicolasito, Diosdado Cabello, Ramón Rodríguez Chacín, and Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero, known as “Niño Guerrero.” The charges claim that for over 25 years, Venezuelan leaders have used public office to facilitate drug trafficking into the U.S.
- Narco-terrorism conspiracy – Nicolás Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Ramón Rodríguez Chacín
- Conspiracy to import cocaine – Nicolás Maduro, Diosdado Cabello, Ramón Rodríguez Chacín, Cilia Flores, Nicolás Ernesto Maduro Guerra, Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero
- Possession of machine guns and destructive devices – same names as above
- Conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices – same names as above
Legal and Political Context
The 2020 indictment first accused Nicolás Maduro and others of drug trafficking and money laundering, with a $15 million reward for information leading to Maduro’s capture and a $10 million reward for Cabello. The reward was raised to $50 million in 2025. The new indictment was announced by Attorney General William Barr, who described Maduro and other officials as part of the “Cartel of the Suns,” a group that allegedly moved 250 tons of cocaine per year into the U.S. through the Caribbean and Central America.
Pam Bondi wrote on X:
> “Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been indicted in the Southern District of New York. Nicolás Maduro has been charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess machine guns and destructive devices against the United States. They will soon face the full force of American justice on American soil and in American courts. On behalf of the entire U.S. Department of Justice, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American people, and a huge thank you to our brave armed forces who carried out the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international drug traffickers.”
Ariana Fajardo Orshan said:
> “I have a message for high-ranking members of Chavismo: The party is coming to an end.”
| Year | Reward for Nicolás Maduro | Reward for Cabello |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $15 million | $10 million |
| 2025 | $50 million | – |
Key Takeaways
- Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle face new U.S. charges on narco-terrorism and drug importation.
- The indictment coincides with a plane arrival carrying a cartel leader in New York.
- U.S. rewards for capturing Nicolás Maduro and Cabello have increased to $50 million.
The indictment marks a significant escalation in U.S. efforts to hold Venezuela’s leadership accountable for drug trafficking and related crimes.
