Washington, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro arrived in New York City late Saturday to confront criminal charges from the US, as federal prosecutors revealed a comprehensive indictment that accuses him of orchestrating an extensive narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking scheme.

The indictment, made public by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. Prosecutors assert that Maduro exploited his governmental authority to facilitate the transport of vast amounts of cocaine to the United States over a span exceeding two decades.

Charges against Maduro include narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, firearms offenses, and associated crimes, with allegations dating back to around 1999 and extending through 2025.

The court documents characterize Maduro as the leader of a corrupt and illegitimate government that utilized military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies to safeguard drug trafficking routes. Prosecutors claim thousands of tons of cocaine were dispatched from Venezuela through the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico.

Several co-defendants have been named in the indictment, including Maduro's wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro, and their son, Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra. High-ranking Venezuelan officials are also implicated, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello Rondón and former Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacín.

Prosecutors allege that the operation collaborated with violent criminal organizations and militant groups, such as Colombia’s FARC and ELN guerrillas, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel and Zetas, as well as the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

The indictment outlines alleged activities including the misuse of Venezuelan diplomatic passports to protect traffickers, transporting multi-ton cocaine shipments by air and sea, and providing armed protection for drug movements. Additionally, it claims that kidnappings, bribes, and violence were employed to secure trafficking routes.

Maduro and his co-defendants are also accused of possessing machine guns and destructive devices in connection with the drug conspiracy, with these weapons reportedly used to maintain control and safeguard shipments.

Should they be convicted, the charges could lead to life sentences. The US government is also pursuing the forfeiture of assets linked to the alleged crimes, encompassing drug proceeds and properties utilized in trafficking.

Maduro is anticipated to appear before a federal judge in Manhattan, where prosecutors may seek to ensure his continued detention while awaiting trial.

The United States has long accused Maduro of corruption and drug trafficking, refusing to recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president in light of disputed elections and widespread international condemnation of his administration.