Nicolás Maduro indicted in U.S. on narco‑terrorism charges after 2026 capture

Ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro was indicted in the United States on narco-terrorism and related drug-trafficking charges after his capture by U.S. forces on January 3, 2026, court papers and news reports show.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan allege Maduro conspired with Colombian guerrilla groups and other associates to traffic cocaine into the United States, according to a Department of Justice filing that sets out the charges against him.

A U.S. federal judge has set a June 1, 2027, trial date in Manhattan for Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, after they pleaded not guilty in an initial arraignment, Reuters and other outlets reported.

Empty federal courtroom bench with a single gavel on a cushion under a beam of light, rows of vacant wood seats fading into shadow

Maduro’s capture in a U.S. operation on January 3, 2026 is recorded in multiple profiles and timelines; an entry in Britannica notes that date as when his tenure effectively ended after he was taken by United States forces.

The Justice Department document available on the DOJ site describes counts that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons offenses tied to alleged state-sponsored smuggling networks.

Closed courthouse corridor viewed from a distance, polished floor reflecting overhead lights and an empty folding table with papers on it

Defense lawyers have challenged the legality of the U.S. operation and sought pretrial motions; filings in July 2026 recorded procedural scheduling and proposed deadlines for further motions, court reporting shows.

Analysts and international outlets covering the case note the prosecution supersedes earlier indictments filed years prior and represents an unusually high-profile U.S. criminal case against a former head of state, according to congressional and news summaries.

Sources

Britannica — provided the January 3, 2026 capture date and context for Maduro’s removal from power.
Reuters — reported the June 1, 2027 trial date set by a U.S. judge and described the charges in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Department of Justice — published the indictment and enumerated the counts including narco-terrorism and drug-trafficking offenses.
Al Jazeera — reported on courtroom appearances and pleas, and noted prosecutors’ position on scheduling the trial.