Former Venezuelan president Maduro seeks to throw out US drug charges

In March 2026, former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appeared in a New York court to request the dismissal of U.S. drug trafficking charges against him. Maduro, who has pleaded not guilty, argued that sanctions preventing access to his funds impede his ability to mount a fair defense. He faces charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted. The case centers around allegations of drug trafficking, with the U.S. government pursuing legal action against the former president. The hearing addressed Maduro's claim that financial restrictions are hindering his legal representation.