Maduro Pleads Not Guilty to US Narcotics Charges

An attorney representing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro said extensive legal proceedings are likely following what he described as his client’s detention by U.S. forces. Lawyer Barry Pollack characterised the action as a “military seizure” and said Maduro is not currently seeking release, though that could change in the future.

Separately, Mark Donnelly, legal counsel for Cilia Flores, said she sustained injuries during the operation, including severe bruising to her ribs. He requested that she receive medical imaging and a full physical evaluation.

U.S. federal prosecutors in New York first charged Maduro in 2020 in connection with a long-running narcotics trafficking investigation involving Venezuelan officials and Colombian armed groups. A revised indictment made public over the weekend added new details and additional defendants, including Flores.

The United States has considered Maduro’s presidency illegitimate since the 2018 election, which was widely criticised for irregularities. Questions have since arisen among international law experts regarding the legality of the operation that led to his detention, with some arguing it conflicts with established international legal norms.

Oil Policy and U.S. Strategy

In Caracas, senior officials from Maduro’s long-standing government remain in control of state institutions, signalling both resistance and potential willingness to engage with the U.S. administration.

President Donald Trump said U.S. oil companies would return to Venezuela to help rebuild the country’s energy infrastructure, stating that the U.S. intends to assert control over resources it believes were misappropriated. However, several oil industry executives said major American energy firms were not consulted before or after the operation.

Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, estimated at 303 billion barrels, but production has declined sharply due to years of mismanagement, underinvestment, and international sanctions. Output averaged roughly 1.1 million barrels per day last year, far below historical levels.

Trump has warned of further military action if Venezuela does not cooperate on opening its oil sector and addressing drug trafficking. The administration’s approach to working with a future Venezuelan government remains unclear, and opposition groups have so far been sidelined.

On Monday, Jorge Rodríguez was reappointed president of the pro-government National Assembly and pledged to pursue all available avenues to secure Maduro’s return.

Political Reactions

U.S. allies responded cautiously, emphasising dialogue and adherence to international law. Domestically, the operation has sparked political debate, with concerns raised about transparency and the risk of deeper U.S. involvement in Venezuela.