Captured Venezuelan Leader Maduro Denies Drug Charges In U.S. Court

Deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges during his first appearance in a U.S. court, according to court proceedings.

Maduro told the judge he was innocent and described himself as a legitimate head of state.

BREAKING: Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in New York federal court to drug, narco-terrorism and weapons charges after being captured by U.S. forces in Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/2zIJFZCQ7v

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 5, 2026

The charges stem from allegations cited by the Trump administration to justify his capture and transfer to New York. Donald Trump has defended the operation as a counternarcotics action.

Maduro appeared in a jail uniform alongside his wife for the brief hearing. The case is expected to involve extended legal challenges over U.S. jurisdiction. His next court date is scheduled for March 17.

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