Maduro, his wife plead not guilty to gun, drug charges in US court
During the court hearing, Maduro addressed the judge directly, stating, “I am innocent. I am not guilty of anything that is mentioned here,” while Flores echoed the same position, telling the court that she is “not guilty. Completely innocent.” Both appearances took place before US Judge Alvin Hellerstein.
The judge informed the couple of their right to receive a consular visit, which both requested. At this stage, neither Maduro nor Flores asked to be released on bail.
Maduro is facing a four-count indictment that accuses him of orchestrating a long-running narco-terrorism scheme allegedly intended to channel large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Prosecutors claim that he worked in coordination with armed groups and senior state officials, using government institutions to facilitate extensive drug trafficking operations.
The case was made public after Maduro and Flores were transported to New York on Saturday, following an overnight US military operation that resulted in their detention. Both remain held at a federal detention center in Brooklyn.
Recounting the circumstances of his arrest, Maduro told the court, “I was captured at my home in Caracas, Venezuela,” later asserting that he had been “kidnapped” by US forces.
In the wake of Maduro’s detention, Venezuela’s Supreme Court ordered Vice President Delcy Rodriguez to “immediately” take over as acting president. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has declared his intention to exercise control over Venezuela for the time being, including the potential deployment of American troops if deemed necessary.
Maduro’s legal team signaled that it may challenge the legality of his arrest. His attorney, Barry Pollack, raised concerns by stating that “there are questions about the legality of his military abduction.” Pollack is known for previously representing high-profile clients in cases involving the US Justice Department.
Judge Hellerstein scheduled March 17 as the date for Maduro’s next court appearance. Flores is represented by Mark Donnelly, a Texas-based white-collar defense lawyer and former federal prosecutor, according to reports.
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