US declares Venezuela’s Maduro wanted, offers $65m bounty

The United States has declared Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and two of his top officials wanted for drug trafficking, offering a combined $65 million reward for their capture and conviction.

A statement released Tuesday by the United States Department of State named Maduro, Diosdado Cabello Rondón, and Vladimir Padrino López as leaders of the Cartel de los Soles, recently classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Treasury.

President Maduro carries a $25 million bounty, with the same amount placed on Cabello and $15 million on Padrino.

The cartel is accused of smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the U.S.

A wanted poster describes Maduro as a “designated global terrorist” and lists charges including narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons-related crimes.

The announcement came a day after Maduro marked the anniversary of his disputed re-election.

The U.S. has long refused to recognize his presidency and continues to impose sanctions on his government.

The UK has also sanctioned 15 senior Venezuelan officials, targeting judges, security personnel, and military leaders linked to Maduro’s regime.

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