US Offers Historic $50 Million Bounty for Venezuelan President Maduro

The United States has significantly raised the bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million, accusing him of being deeply involved in international drug trafficking. The announcement, made by Attorney General Pam Bondi on August 8, 2025, alleges that Maduro collaborates with major drug cartels to smuggle cocaine into the United States, including substances laced with fentanyl. This is now the highest bounty ever placed on a foreign leader in modern history.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has linked Maduro to a staggering 30 tons of cocaine, with nearly seven tons directly associated with him. The US alleges that Maduro’s connections extend to notorious organizations such as Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua, Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, and Colombia’s FARC. These claims suggest that his involvement in drug trafficking poses a significant threat to national security.

Motivations Behind the Bounty Increase

According to US officials, the decision to raise the bounty is based on extensive evidence of Maduro’s alleged activities. The US government contends that he uses these illicit networks not only to maintain political power but also to enrich his inner circle amid Venezuela’s ongoing economic turmoil. The US aims to incentivize informants to provide actionable intelligence leading to his arrest and prosecution.

In a statement, Bondi emphasized that Maduro “will not escape justice,” vowing to hold him accountable for his “despicable crimes.” This announcement follows the recent guilty plea of former Venezuelan spy chief Hugo Carvajal, who is suspected of cooperating with US authorities.

The US’s actions against Maduro reflect a broader strategy to combat organized crime and corruption in the region, which officials argue destabilizes both Venezuela and neighboring countries. The increase in the bounty is part of a concerted effort to dismantle the networks that allegedly support Maduro’s regime.

As the situation continues to unfold, US authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice, viewing Maduro’s actions as a direct challenge to the rule of law and a threat to the safety of American citizens. The ramifications of this unprecedented bounty could reshape diplomatic relations and influence the ongoing crisis in Venezuela.