The U.S. Department of State announced on Friday a significant increase in the reward for information leading to the capture or conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, raising the amount to $25 million. This marks a renewed effort to hold Maduro accountable for his alleged role in a global drug trafficking and narco-terrorism network.
Maduro, 62, has been under U.S. indictment since 2020 on federal charges including cocaine trafficking and weapons-related crimes. The Venezuelan leader is accused of spearheading the Cartel of the Suns, a powerful drug-trafficking organization involving high-ranking officials within Venezuela’s government. According to U.S. prosecutors, Maduro played a pivotal role in coordinating multi-ton cocaine shipments with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a designated terrorist organization. Prosecutors allege that Maduro directed the cartel to supply military-grade weapons to the FARC and utilized the group’s expertise to train an unsanctioned militia that acted as the armed wing of the cartel. The indictment portrays Maduro as a central figure in an elaborate criminal network that sought to destabilize U.S. security by flooding the country with narcotics. The U.S. government first offered a $15 million reward for his capture in 2020, a figure now increased to $25 million to reflect “the gravity of his crimes and the ongoing threat he poses to international stability,” according to a senior official.
Maduro has ruled Venezuela since 2013, a tenure defined by political turmoil, economic collapse, and allegations of human rights abuses. He has been accused of consolidating power through fraudulent elections, including his contested victory in Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential race, which the U.S. and numerous other nations refused to recognize. The contested elections further alienated Maduro on the international stage, with the U.S. and its allies reaffirming support for opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president. Maduro’s regime remains under scrutiny for its alleged corruption, suppression of dissent, and deepening ties with transnational criminal organizations.
The State Department’s decision to raise the reward aims to intensify global efforts to bring Maduro to justice. A senior U.S. official emphasized the importance of public involvement, urging individuals with credible information to come forward. Outside the U.S., tips can be reported to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, while domestically, information can be directed to local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) offices. “This is a global pursuit,” the official stated. “We believe someone out there has the critical information needed to hold Maduro accountable for his actions.”
Maduro’s alleged crimes have far-reaching implications for regional and global stability. The U.S. government has accused him of using Venezuela’s state apparatus to facilitate drug trafficking, strengthen ties with terrorist organizations, and suppress political opposition. These activities have contributed to Venezuela’s economic collapse and triggered a humanitarian crisis, with millions fleeing the country in search of refuge. The charges against Maduro also underscore the intersection of organized crime and authoritarian governance in Latin America. By targeting Maduro, the U.S. aims to dismantle a network that it views as a significant threat to hemispheric security.
The $25 million reward places Maduro among the most-wanted figures globally, signaling the U.S. government’s determination to bring him to justice. While Maduro remains entrenched in Venezuela, protected by loyalists and a repressive security apparatus, the growing international pressure and internal dissent may challenge his hold on power. As the international community watches closely, the increased reward represents a renewed commitment to pursuing justice. For Maduro, the pressure intensifies as the U.S. continues to rally allies, build its case, and encourage whistleblowers to step forward. “Maduro’s capture is not just about accountability,” the senior official stated. “It’s about restoring stability and sending a clear message that no leader is above the law.” Whether through diplomatic efforts, legal action, or public engagement, the pursuit of Maduro highlights the U.S. government’s resolve to address criminality at the highest levels of power.
