U.S. Offers $25 Million Bounty for Venezuela’s President Maduro
The United States government has officially declared Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro wanted for drug trafficking, offering a $25 million reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
This high-profile bounty was announced as part of a renewed crackdown on what the U.S. describes as narco-terrorism involving Venezuela’s top leadership.
Two Top Officials Also Wanted
Alongside Maduro, the U.S. is also targeting two of his closest allies:
Diosdado Cabello Rondón – $25 million bounty
Vladimir Padrino López – $15 million bounty
All three men are accused of operating the Cartel de los Soles, a powerful drug-trafficking organization now designated by the U.S. Treasury as a global terrorist group.
Accusations: Cocaine Trafficking and Narco-Terrorism
According to the U.S. Department of State, the cartel is responsible for smuggling tons of cocaine into the United States. The trio is facing charges that include:
Narco-terrorist conspiracy
Cocaine importation
Use of destructive weapons in drug crimes
A wanted poster released by the U.S. labels Maduro as a “designated global terrorist cartel leader.”
Sanctions and Global Pressure Intensify
The announcement coincides with the anniversary of Maduro’s disputed re-election, which the U.S. and several allies continue to describe as fraudulent.
In January 2025, similar bounties were issued as Maduro began his third presidential term. Around the same time, the United Kingdom also imposed sanctions on 15 top Venezuelan officials, including judges and military leaders.
U.S. Calls for Public Assistance
The State Department is now encouraging the public and international community to aid in locating Maduro and his associates. Authorities say the move is part of escalating efforts to isolate the Venezuelan regime and hold its leaders accountable.
“Run by the corrupt and contemptible Nicolás Maduro, this cartel is responsible for trafficking drugs into the U.S.,” the U.S. Treasury Department stated.
Background: Cartel de los Soles
The Cartel de los Soles (“Cartel of the Suns”) is believed to be deeply embedded within the Venezuelan military and government. Its designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) entity marks a sharp escalation in U.S. efforts to combat international drug networks with alleged state sponsorship.
Conclusion
With a total reward pool now reaching $65 million, the U.S. government has intensified its international pursuit of Maduro and his allies. Whether this move leads to actual arrests or further diplomatic tensions remains to be seen.
