In a significant reversal of U.S. policy toward Venezuela, American prosecutors have quietly dropped charges accusing President Nicolas Maduro of leading the "Cartel de los Soles" (Cartel of the Suns) drug trafficking organization.
Original Accusations
In 2020, the U.S. Justice Department had accused Maduro of personally directing the cartel, allegedly responsible for flooding the United States with cocaine. The indictment at the time represented one of the most serious charges ever leveled against a sitting head of state by American prosecutors.
Expert Skepticism Vindicated
Many legal and regional experts had questioned the validity of the cartel leadership charge, noting that the "Cartel de los Soles" is not a traditional organized crime structure but rather a loose network of corrupt military and government officials. The removal of this specific charge appears to acknowledge these concerns.
Diplomatic Implications
The timing of the charge modification coincides with recent negotiations between the U.S. and Venezuela over oil exports and migration issues. While Maduro still faces other drug trafficking-related charges, the dropped allegation signals a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Caracas.
Remaining Charges
Despite the modification, Maduro continues to face serious allegations of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking conspiracy. The $15 million reward offered by the U.S. for information leading to his arrest remains in effect.
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