Quick take: Case stays alive
A New York federal judge refused to toss out the drug trafficking case against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The courtroom drama continued after defense lawyers asked the judge to throw the indictment out, arguing that the couple cannot adequately pay for their defense because the U.S. has frozen access to Venezuelan government funds.
Judge’s call: No dismissal — for now
U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein made it plain: he wasn’t going to dismiss the charges. He did not, however, immediately rule on whether Maduro can tap Venezuelan government money to hire lawyers, leaving that question open for another day.
How they looked in court
Maduro and Flores showed up in beige prison outfits and listened through Spanish translators. Separated by their attorneys, they followed the arguments closely. At the end of the hearing Maduro quietly shook his lawyer’s hand and said, “Hasta mañana” — see you tomorrow — before being led out by U.S. Marshals.
Arguments over legal fees
Deputy defense counsel argued Maduro should be allowed to use Venezuelan government funds for his legal bills. Government lawyers pushed back, saying defendants can use money that is lawfully theirs but can’t access funds held by third parties or blocked by legal restrictions.
Outside the courthouse: fans, foes and loud signs
Before sunrise the former first couple arrived in lower Manhattan. Crowds gathered — some loudly supporting Maduro, others demanding he rots in jail. Police kept a close eye on the scene as the hearings got underway.
Prosecutors’ safety concerns
Federal prosecutors asked the judge to impose a protective order limiting Maduro and Flores’ access to discovery materials, arguing that sharing sensitive information with co-defendants who are still at large could threaten witnesses, destroy evidence, or hamper ongoing investigations.
How they got here
U.S. forces captured Maduro and his wife during a nighttime raid in Caracas on Jan. 3. They were flown to New York and arraigned two days later on charges that include drug trafficking and related offenses. Both have entered pleas of not guilty.
Where he’s being held
Maduro is being detained in a high-security wing of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn alongside other high-profile inmates. Prosecutors allege Maduro and his associates spent years working with violent drug traffickers and corrupt officials to move large amounts of cocaine into the United States.
From Washington
President Donald Trump called Maduro a major drug supplier to the U.S. and said the former leader will get a fair trial, while also hinting there could be more legal trouble ahead.
Correction
Correction (March 30, 2026): An earlier version of this article misstated the charges involving Cilia Flores. Nicolás Maduro was charged with narcoterrorism; Flores was not.
