Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to US Drug Charges in New York Court
Court Appearance in Manhattan
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to multiple US narcotics-related charges during his first appearance in a federal court in New York.
Maduro, 63, appeared before the US District Court in Manhattan wearing prison clothing. He listened to the charges through headphones and formally denied four counts, including narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import cocaine, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices.
Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro declared his innocence and claimed he remained Venezuela’s legitimate president. However, US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein interrupted his statement. The court scheduled the next hearing for March 17. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also entered a plea of not guilty.
Protests Outside the Courtroom
Meanwhile, supporters and critics gathered outside the courthouse during the brief hearing. Pro-Maduro demonstrators significantly outnumbered a smaller group of Venezuelan immigrants opposing him.
Allegations of Drug Trafficking Network
US prosecutors accuse Maduro of leading a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation linked to violent criminal groups. These include Mexico’s Sinaloa and Zetas cartels, Colombia’s FARC rebels, and Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang. Maduro has repeatedly denied all allegations.
Earlier that morning, heavily armed guards escorted Maduro and Flores from a Brooklyn detention facility to Manhattan by helicopter. At the start of the hearing, Judge Hellerstein summarised the charges.
Maduro confirmed his identity in Spanish and received notice of his right to contact the Venezuelan consulate.
Expanded Indictment and Legal Arguments
Federal prosecutors allege Maduro began participating in drug trafficking as early as 2000, when he served in Venezuela’s National Assembly. They claim the activity continued during his time as foreign minister and after his 2013 election as successor to President Hugo Chavez.
An updated indictment released on Saturday added further details and named additional defendants, including Flores. Her lawyer, Mark Donnelly, told the court that Flores suffered significant bruising and requested medical examinations, including X-rays.
Maduro’s attorney, Barry Pollack, said the case would involve complex legal challenges. He described his client’s capture as a “military abduction” and confirmed that Maduro was not seeking release at this stage.
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