Authorities accuse Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles for over a decade, a network allegedly responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States.
Nicolás Maduro and his cronies think they’re untouchable. They’re wrong. We’re increasing our reward offer for Maduro to up to $50 million. https://t.co/mEomEgWLcT pic.twitter.com/ltq1cdMUji
— US Dept of State INL (@StateINL) August 8, 2025
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Departments of State and Justice have increased the reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program.
Authorities accuse Maduro of leading the Cartel de los Soles for over a decade, a network allegedly responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States. On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Treasury designated the cartel as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group.
“Maduro has strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela,” U.S. officials stated, citing his contested claim of victory in the July 28, 2024, presidential election. Washington says he provided no evidence of winning and continues to reject his presidency.
The U.S. does not recognize Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader and vows to pursue charges for his alleged violations of U.S. narcotics laws.