NEW YORK – Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro entered a plea of not guilty on Monday to U.S. narcotics charges following his dramatic arrest and extradition to the United States.

The charges, previously unsealed, allege that Maduro and several high-ranking members of his administration were involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. Prosecutors claim the scheme facilitated the movement of cocaine from Venezuela to the United States, often with the protection and complicity of Venezuelan government officials.

Maduro’s capture, orchestrated during a raid in Miami, marks a significant escalation in the U.S. government’s efforts to hold Venezuelan leaders accountable for alleged criminal activity. The arrest followed years of accusations and investigations into corruption and drug trafficking within the Maduro regime. Details surrounding the precise circumstances of his capture remain somewhat limited, but officials have confirmed he was taken into custody without incident.

The U.S. government has long accused Maduro of enabling drug trafficking and undermining democratic institutions in Venezuela. His extradition from Venezuela, a country facing severe economic and political instability, represents a major victory for U.S. law enforcement. The case is expected to be complex, given the political sensitivities and the challenges of gathering evidence from a foreign nation.

The legal proceedings are likely to unfold over a considerable period, with potential implications for Venezuela's political landscape and U.S.-Venezuela relations. Maduro's defense team is expected to challenge the legality of his extradition and the evidence presented by the prosecution. The case underscores the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the U.S. commitment to combating international drug trafficking.