Washington, August 8(HS): The United States has raised the reward for the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to $50 million, doubling the previous amount. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the reward via a video on social media, emphasizing that Maduro will be held accountable for his alleged crimes under President Trump’s administration.

The U.S. accuses Maduro of collaborating with criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa cartel, contributing to the influx of fentanyl-laced cocaine in the country. In 2020, Maduro was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to import cocaine, leading to an initial $15 million reward, which was later increased to $25 million under the Biden administration.

Interestingly, this reward matches the one set for Osama bin Laden’s capture. Despite the significant reward, Maduro remains in power, with opponents claiming that his potential re-election in 2024 is not genuine but rather a disguise for his hold on authority.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar