The United States Authorities has officially declared Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro wanted for drug trafficking and terrorism.
The U.S. Department of State made the announcement on Tuesday, July 29, through an official post on social media.
Authorities also named Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Vladimir Padrino López as wanted for similar crimes.
Together, the three men face a $65 million reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction.
The U.S. accused them of leading a powerful cartel that floods America with illegal drugs.
“@USTreasury just sanctioned Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group,” the post stated.
It added, “Run by the corrupt and contemptible Nicolás Maduro, it traffics drugs into the U.S.”
The agency also released a wanted poster showing Maduro as a “global terrorist cartel leader.”
They offered a $25 million reward for information that could lead to his arrest and conviction.
For Diosdado Cabello Rondón and Vladimir Padrino López, the government offered a combined $40 million.
Authorities said the three are wanted for narco-terrorism conspiracy and drug smuggling.
They also face charges for conspiring to use machine guns and explosive devices.
Meanwhile, the announcement came just one day after Maduro celebrated a controversial election win.
The U.S. and its allies have called that victory fraudulent and illegitimate.
On Sunday, as Venezuela held municipal elections, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a strong rebuke.
He criticized Maduro on X, formerly Twitter, calling his regime corrupt and dangerous.
In March, Maduro insulted Rubio, calling him an “imbecile” during a televised address.
However, the tension between the U.S. and Venezuela has only escalated since then.
The U.S. has refused to recognize Maduro’s government for years.
It has also imposed several economic and diplomatic sanctions on the country.
Now, American officials are urging the public to help capture Maduro and his allies.
“Help us take down Maduro and his cronies,” the State Department urged in its message.
The world watches closely as tensions rise between both countries.
The next steps may define the future of Venezuela’s global standing.
