US blocks Maduro’s legal defence funds in explosive drug case twist
Venezuela: The legal dispute involving Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro centres on allegations that he participated in a drug trafficking conspiracy linked to shipments of cocaine into the United States. Maduro and his wife were arrested in a covert early-2026 military operation and are currently held in New York, where both have pleaded not guilty.
Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, has accused the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control of blocking Venezuelan government funds meant to pay legal defence fees. According to Pollack, the agency initially authorised Venezuela to cover the defence costs on January 9 but revoked the permission within hours without providing an explanation. The authorisation would have allowed the government of Venezuela to meet its legal obligation to pay for Maduro’s defence under its domestic law and customary practice.
The defence argues that the decision interferes with Maduro’s constitutional right to counsel under the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution, particularly his ability to choose legal representation. Pollack stated that Maduro “cannot otherwise afford counsel” and requested the court’s assistance in restoring the funding authorisation.
The US government has not publicly responded to messages seeking comment from the Treasury Department, the White House or the Justice Department. The broader legal case is based on a 25-page indictment accusing Maduro and associates of working with drug cartels and members of Venezuela’s military to facilitate the transport of thousands of tonnes of cocaine into the US.
Prosecutors also allege that the conspiracy involved violent enforcement tactics, including kidnappings, beatings and killings of individuals connected to drug debts. The indictment claims that a local drug boss in Caracas was killed as part of the operation.
The legal funding dispute is closely tied to US foreign policy toward Venezuela. Since 2019, Washington has largely refused to recognise Maduro’s government and has imposed sanctions. Allowing Venezuelan authorities to finance his defence could potentially affect arguments in court regarding the legality of his capture or claims of head-of-state immunity.
The case also carries diplomatic implications as Venezuela’s interim leadership has shown limited steps toward reopening economic and political channels with the US, including discussions on oil investment and prisoner releases. The court has not yet decided whether the defence funding authorisation should be reinstated.
(With AFP inputs)