US Attorney General Pamela Bondi has announced the indictment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in the Southern District of New York on sweeping charges that include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and serious weapons offenses, marking a dramatic escalation in U.S. legal action against the Venezuelan leadership.
In a statement issued on January 3, 2026, Bondi said Maduro has been charged with “Narco-Terrorism Conspiracy, Cocaine Importation Conspiracy, Possession of Machineguns and Destructive Devices, and Conspiracy to Possess Machineguns and Destructive Devices against the United States.”
She added that the case also names his wife, Cilia Flores, as a co-defendant.
According to the Attorney General, the two will now face prosecution in the United States.
“They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts,” Bondi said, underscoring the seriousness of the charges and the government’s intent to pursue them aggressively.
Bondi further stated that the indictments follow what she described as a successful U.S. military operation.
She praised the role of the armed forces in the matter, saying, “A huge thank you to our brave military who conducted the incredible and highly successful mission to capture these two alleged international narco traffickers.”
U.S. authorities have not publicly released additional operational details, but the Attorney General framed the action as a major law enforcement and national security achievement.
The U.S. Justice Department also credited political leadership for backing the move. “On behalf of the entire U.S. DOJ, I would like to thank President Trump for having the courage to demand accountability on behalf of the American People,” Bondi said, portraying the indictments as part of a broader push to confront international drug trafficking networks.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife as he confirmed a "large-scale" strike against the country on January 3, 2026.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the operation was done in conjunction with US Law Enforcement.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country. This operation was done in conjunction with U.S. Law Enforcement. Details to follow. There will be a News Conference today at 11 A.M., at Mar-a-Lago. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Trump said.
