In a dramatic escalation of its stance against the Venezuelan government, the United States has doubled the bounty on President Nicolás Maduro, offering a staggering $50 million for information leading to his arrest or conviction over long-standing drug trafficking charges.
The U.S. State Department made the announcement on Wednesday, citing new intelligence and an intensified effort to dismantle what it described as a “narco-terrorism network” allegedly led by Maduro and top officials in his regime. The move comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas, and as Venezuela prepares for its presidential elections.
Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013, was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2020 on charges that include drug trafficking, money laundering, and weapons violations. U.S. prosecutors allege that he conspired with Colombian guerrilla groups and other criminal organizations to smuggle tons of cocaine into the United States over the years.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said the increased bounty reflects the seriousness of the threat posed by Maduro’s alleged criminal enterprise.
“This decision underscores our unwavering commitment to holding Nicolás Maduro accountable for his role in facilitating the global drug trade,” the official said.
The Venezuelan government swiftly rejected the announcement, calling it a “desperate and politically motivated stunt” aimed at undermining its sovereignty. Maduro has repeatedly denied all allegations, dismissing them as fabricated charges orchestrated by Washington to justify regime change.
“This is imperial aggression, nothing more. They will not succeed,” Maduro said in a televised address following the announcement.
The doubling of the reward is part of the U.S. Rewards for Justice Program, which previously offered $15 million for information on Maduro. The new offer makes him one of the most highly sought figures on the U.S. wanted list.
Analysts say the move could heighten tensions in the region and further complicate any diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela. However, Washington maintains that accountability must come before normalization.
