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.

Nicolás Maduro, the deposed Venezuelan president, appeared in a Manhattan federal court on Thursday to face "narco-terrorism" charges following his capture by US military forces in January. Maduro and his wife have pleaded not guilty. The hearing centered on a dispute over whether Maduro can use Venezuelan government funds to pay for his legal defense. The defense argues that blocking access to these funds violates Maduro's constitutional rights. The prosecution and defense presented their arguments regarding the use of Venezuelan government funds for Maduro's legal costs.

Nicolas Maduro, the ousted Venezuelan president, made his second court appearance in New York after being captured by U.S. forces in January. The hearing addressed concerns about Maduro and his wife's ability to pay for legal representation without Venezuelan government assistance; the judge indicated the case would not be dismissed on those grounds. Maduro, who has been held in a Brooklyn jail for three months, pleaded not guilty to charges including narcoterrorism conspiracy and weapons possession. The U.S. operation that led to his capture deposed Maduro, who had led Venezuela since 2013, and has significantly increased U.S. influence over the country. During the hearing, Maduro wore a prison uniform and communicated with his lawyer through an interpreter.