The U.S. government has dramatically raised the stakes in its years-long pursuit of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
A $50 million reward is now being offered to anyone with information that leads to his arrest.
This move signals a renewed and aggressive push to hold Maduro accountable amid rising international concern about his regime’s alleged crimes.
The announcement was made Thursday, August 7, by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
According to her statement, Maduro has been accused of working closely with violent criminal groups to move weapons and deadly drugs into the United States.
The step marks the largest financial reward ever placed on a sitting head of state in the Western Hemisphere.
“Maduro uses foreign terrorist organizations like [Tren de Aragua], Sinaloa, and Cartel of the Suns to bring deadly drugs and violence into our country,” Bondi said.
The quote echoed frustration within U.S. intelligence and law enforcement circles, who have been tracking Maduro’s alleged activities for years.
In addition to the reward offer, Bondi disclosed that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has seized 30 tons of cocaine tied to Maduro and his allies.
Out of that, nearly seven tons were directly linked to Maduro himself, she said.
These operations have also uncovered that drug trafficking remains a major funding source for gangs across Venezuela and Mexico.
“Cocaine is often laced with fentanyl, resulting in the loss and destruction of countless American lives,” Bondi added.
She emphasized that these drugs are fueling addiction and death across U.S. communities.
Maduro’s legal battles with the U.S. began in March 2020, when he was indicted in the Southern District of New York.
Charges included narco-terrorism, conspiracy to import drugs, and possession of military-grade weapons.
At the time, a $15 million reward was offered by the Trump administration.
It was increased to $25 million under the Biden administration. Bondi’s new announcement has now doubled it again, citing new evidence and increased urgency.
“The DOJ has seized over $700 million of Maduro-linked assets, including two private jets, nine vehicles, and more.
Yet Maduro’s reign of terror continues,” she said. “He is one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world, and a threat to our national security.”
She added that Maduro “will be held accountable for his despicable crimes.”
