The $25 Million Bounty on Nicolás Maduro: A Deep Dive into Venezuela’s Alleged Ties to Narcoterrorism
The United States has placed a staggering $25 million bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of orchestrating a web of criminal activities, including drug trafficking adn collaboration with armed groups like the FARC. This reward, equivalent to 108 billion pesos, underscores the gravity of the allegations against Maduro and his regime, which has ruled Venezuela since 1999.
The FARC Connection: A Dark Alliance
The federal justice file reveals that Maduro’s regime has long been intertwined with the FARC, a former Colombian guerrilla group now rebranded as Comunes. According to the evidence, the Venezuelan government collaborated with the FARC to facilitate multi-ton shipments of cocaine, arms trafficking, and other illicit activities. This partnership allegedly allowed the FARC to use Venezuela as a safe haven and a hub for U.S.-bound cocaine shipments [[1]].
The FARC’s ties to Chavismo, the political ideology championed by Maduro and his predecessor Hugo Chávez, date back decades. Former FARC leaders like Rodrigo Granda and Andrés París have admitted to providing financial support to Chávez even before he assumed power in Venezuela.Despite this, Colombian authorities have done little to investigate these international connections, leaving a gaping hole in the pursuit of justice [[2]].
The Cartel of the Suns: A Regime’s Criminal Arm
At the heart of these allegations is the so-called “Cartel of the Suns,” a network of high-ranking Venezuelan military officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking and arms sales.The cartel is accused of providing military-grade weapons to the FARC and facilitating large-scale cocaine shipments, including through Venezuela’s Maiquetía airport.These activities, documented in extensive legal proceedings, highlight the regime’s role in fueling narcoterrorism in the region [[3]].
Colombia’s Silence: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the overwhelming evidence, Colombian authorities have largely ignored the international dimensions of the FARC’s criminal activities. The Special Jurisdiction for peace (JEP), tasked with investigating Colombia’s armed conflict, has refused to address the FARC’s international support networks, claiming it falls outside its mandate. This reluctance has left critical questions unanswered, including the extent of Venezuela’s involvement in Colombia’s decades-long conflict.
Prosecutor Adriana Camargo’s office now has the opportunity—and the obligation—to uncover the truth about these international connections. Establishing the role of external actors, including Venezuela, in fueling Colombia’s war is a debt that both transitional and ordinary justice systems have yet to honor.
A Call for Accountability
The $25 million bounty on Maduro is more than just a financial incentive; it is a call for accountability. The allegations against Maduro and his regime paint a grim picture of a government deeply entrenched in organized crime. As the international community watches, the question remains: will justice finally be served, or will these crimes continue to go unpunished?
| Key Points | Details |
|—————–|————-|
| Bounty on Maduro | $25 million reward for information leading to his capture |
| Allegations | Drug trafficking, arms sales, and collaboration with the FARC |
| FARC Ties | Financial support to Chávez, cocaine shipments, and safe haven in venezuela |
| Cartel of the Suns | Venezuelan military officials involved in narcoterrorism |
| Colombia’s Role | Limited investigation into international connections |
The story of Nicolás Maduro and his alleged crimes is far from over. As the world waits for justice, the truth behind Venezuela’s role in regional narcoterrorism remains a pressing issue that demands attention.
For more in-depth coverage, explore the full details of the U.S. Department of State’s allegations against Maduro here.