Overview
- A newly unsealed four-count SDNY indictment alleges a 25-year narco-terrorism scheme, cocaine importation and related weapons offenses involving senior Venezuelan figures.
- Cilia Flores, Maduro’s wife, is also scheduled to be arraigned on a cocaine-conspiracy charge tied to the case.
- Prosecutors from the Southern District’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit will lead the presentation of evidence from a lengthy DEA investigation.
- Maduro and Flores are expected to enter not guilty pleas, and defense challenges could target the arrest, forcible transfer and claims of sovereign immunity, with detention pending trial considered likely.
- Security around the lower Manhattan courthouse has been tightened as hundreds gathered outside Sunday evening ahead of the hearing.