Washington: The US State Department and the Department of Justice have announced a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro for alleged violations of US narcotics laws.

According to Anadolu Agency, the reward is being offered under the Narcotics Rewards Program and represents a significant escalation in the US government's efforts to bring Maduro to justice. This amount doubles the previous bounty, which was set at $25 million in January.

The US government statement highlighted Maduro's alleged role as a key figure in the Cartel de los Soles, a criminal organization accused of trafficking large quantities of drugs into the US for over a decade. The statement underscored Maduro's leadership in the cartel, which has been designated by the US Treasury Department as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group due to its involvement in international narcotics trafficking.

The statement also addressed the political situation in Venezuela, noting that since 2020, Maduro has been accused of undermining democracy and clinging to power. Despite claiming victory in Venezuela's July 28, 2024, presidential election, Maduro has reportedly failed to provide evidence of his win. Consequently, the United States has refused to recognize him as the legitimate President of Venezuela.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed the urgency of the situation on social media platform X, stating, "@StateDept and @TheJusticeDept are increasing the reward for the arrest of dictator Nicolas Maduro to $50 million for violating U.S. narcotics laws. Maduro is the head of the vicious Cartel de Los Soles, a narco-terror organization which has taken over Venezuela. Maduro MUST be brought to justice."