State and Justice Departments raise US reward for Nicolas Maduro under Narcotics Rewards Program
WASHINGTON — The US reward for Nicolas Maduro arrest has reached a record $50 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction for violating US narcotics laws, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Wednesday. The new figure more than doubles the previous $25 million offer, as previously reported by Unitedpac St Lucia News.
In an Aug. 7 statement, Rubio said the US Department of State and the US Department of Justice were jointly raising the reward under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP). The program supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice.
According to the statement, Maduro has for more than a decade been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States. On July 25, 2025, the US Department of the Treasury designated the cartel as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
Rubio said that since 2020, Maduro has “strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela.” The statement also noted that Maduro claimed to have won Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election but “failed to present any evidence” that he had prevailed. The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of that election and does not recognize him as the president of Venezuela.
US reward for Nicolas Maduro arrest among highest in program history
The reward increase was authorized by the Secretary of State as part of President Trump’s “America First” priorities, according to the statement.
The Department of State said anyone with information should contact the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by phone, including voice calls, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text at +1-202-681-8187, or by email. Individuals outside the United States may also visit the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, while those in the United States can contact a local DEA field office.
Officials stressed that all identities will be kept strictly confidential. Government officials and employees are not eligible for the reward.
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