The United States announced today, Thursday, an unprecedented $50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of drug trafficking and collaboration with terrorist organizations.

In a video statement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that the Departments of Justice and State had doubled the bounty to $50 million, stating: "Maduro uses foreign terrorist organizations to smuggle deadly drugs and violence into the United States."

She added that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized 30 tons of cocaine linked to Maduro and his associates, including nearly seven tons tied directly to him—a major revenue stream for violent cartels based in Venezuela and Mexico.

"This cocaine is often laced with fentanyl, destroying countless American lives," Bondi emphasized, noting that the DOJ has confiscated over $700 million in assets tied to Maduro, including two private jets, nine vehicles, and other properties.

The Attorney General called Maduro "one of the world’s most dangerous drug lords" and a "direct threat to U.S. national security." She vowed that under President Trump, Maduro "will not escape justice and will be held accountable for his heinous crimes."

U.S. Recognizes Opposition Leader as Venezuela’s Legitimate President

In a related move, the U.S. government had previously declared in August 2024 that it recognizes opposition candidate Edmundo González as the legitimate winner of Venezuela’s July 2024 presidential election, citing "overwhelming evidence" of fraud in Maduro’s claimed victory.

A prior White House statement dismissed Maduro’s "unsubstantiated allegations against opposition leaders," condemning his threats to arrest figures like González and opposition leader María Corina Machado as "a blatant attempt to suppress democracy and cling to power."

Venezuela’s Political Crisis Deepens

Venezuela has been rocked by mass protests since Maduro—who has ruled since 2013 following the death of Hugo Chávez—declared victory in the disputed election. The U.S. and allies continue to challenge his legitimacy, labeling his government a "narco-dictatorship."