Explained: The US Charges Against Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro

US officials have laid out sweeping criminal allegations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him and close associates of running a narcoterrorism conspiracy linked to international drug trafficking and designated terrorist organisations. According to the US Justice Department, prosecutors allege Maduro conspired to flood the United States with cocaine to destabilise American society and finance extremist groups. The indictment also cites an alleged cocaine importation conspiracy, claiming Venezuela served as a key transit hub for large-scale drug shipments into the US. Additional charges include possession of machine guns and destructive devices, with authorities alleging access to military-grade weapons used to protect drug operations and intimidate opponents. US officials further claim some weapons were intended for use against American citizens and institutions, elevating the case to a national security issue. The Venezuelan government has strongly rejected the accusations, with Maduro calling the charges politically motivated. While Washington insists the case is about accountability and not ideology or oil, the indictments raise critical questions about diplomacy, enforcement, and the future of Venezuela on the global stage.