Ousted Venezuelan leader Maduro pleads not guilty to drug trafficking charges

Summary

CNBC's Contessa Brewer reports that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty in a New York federal courtroom to four counts including narco-terrorism and weapons charges. His wife, Celia, also pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege Maduro ran a massive drug trafficking and human smuggling scheme with major Latin American drug organizations to fuel his power grab in Venezuela, following a long-running probe dating back decades. The report notes the court may set a trial date or schedule further preliminary hearings, including discussion of bail.

• Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty to four federal counts including narco-terrorism and weapons charges in New York.
• His wife Celia also entered a not guilty plea, according to courtroom reports.
• Maduro told the judge he is innocent, called himself a decent man and president, and described himself as a prisoner of war.
• Defense attorney Barry Pollack, known for representing Julian Assange, is representing Maduro.
• Prosecutors say the global cartel investigation began in the early 2000s, with indictments of Venezuelan leaders in 2011 and Maduro first named in 2020.
• The government alleges Maduro orchestrated drug trafficking and human smuggling with major Latin American drug organizations to fuel his power grab.
• The judge could set a trial date or schedule further procedural hearings, including possible bail discussion.