‎Nicolas Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to Narco-Terrorism Charges in New York Court

By: Shawn
‎Former Venezuelan ruler Nicolas Maduro entered a plea of not guilty on Monday to narco-terrorism accusations during a court appearance in Manhattan, insisting he is innocent and portraying himself as an honorable individual.
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‎Speaking through an interpreter, Maduro told the court he bore no responsibility for the allegations against him. He declared that he is “a decent man,” maintained that he is not guilty of the charges, and asserted that he remains the president of Venezuela.
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Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro denies U.S. narco-terrorism charges in a Manhattan courtroom, as prosecutors outline allegations involving drug cartels and terrorist groups.
‎Getty Images
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‎The hearing was overseen by United States District Judge Alvin Hellerstein. During the proceedings, Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, also formally denied the narco-terrorism charges brought against her.
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‎According to U.S. authorities, Maduro, Flores, Maduro’s close military ally Diosdado Cabello, and Hector Ruthenford Guerrero Flores — identified as a leading figure in the Tren de Aragua organization — are all named in a four-count indictment issued by the Department of Justice. The case alleges their involvement in a large-scale narco-terrorism operation linked to Colombian terrorist groups and Mexican drug cartels.
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‎The indictment claims that the accused parties worked together over an extended period to traffic cocaine on a massive scale. Prosecutors allege the operation resulted in thousands of tons of cocaine being distributed into the United States.
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‎Court documents further allege that Nicolas Maduro, alongside family members and other corrupt officials, provided protection from law enforcement and logistical assistance to facilitate cocaine shipments through Venezuela. Prosecutors state that the defendants were aware that their partners would transport the drugs northward into the United States. The indictment outlines multiple examples of actions allegedly taken to advance the drug-trafficking network, including cooperation with narco-terrorist organizations.
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‎Maduro’s arrest followed events on January 3, when the Trump administration launched what it called “Operation Absolute Resolve.” During the operation, members of the elite U.S. military unit Delta Force reportedly entered Maduro’s residence in Caracas. Authorities allege that Maduro attempted to avoid arrest by fleeing to a reinforced steel safe room but was unsuccessful.
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‎Following the operation, Maduro and his wife were placed into U.S. custody and flown to Stewart Airport in New Windsor, New York. From there, they were transferred to a detention facility in New York City, where they remain held as the case proceeds.

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