U.S. judge sets June 2027 trial for Maduro on drug charges

A federal judge in New York has set June 1, 2027 as the trial date for former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, who face charges of narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and weapons violations. The date was announced during a brief hearing on July 22, 2026, that lasted 13–18 minutes. Source: El Colombiano; ABC

Hearing details

Maduro and Flores appeared in khaki prison uniforms, without handcuffs, and appeared healthier than in previous court appearances. Maduro took notes, greeted his lawyers, and at one point asked, "Can I leave now?" Source: Milenio; El Nacional. While some reports noted that the couple did not speak or look at each other Source: La República CO, others described them as entering and leaving together Source: ABC.

Defense strategy

The defense, led by Barry Pollack, plans to argue that Maduro and Flores had sovereign immunity as head of state and first lady at the time of their capture in Caracas on January 3, 2026. Source: El Caribe; Excélsior. A hearing on immunity is set for November 17, 2026. Judge Alvin Hellerstein, 92, has raised concerns about the timeline but accepted the proposed schedule. Source: El Colombiano.

Charges and context

Maduro faces four counts, including conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism and cocaine importation; Flores faces three related charges. Both have pleaded not guilty. The U.S. alleges Maduro used state apparatus to facilitate drug trafficking. Source: ABC; El Nacional. Protests erupted outside the courthouse, with supporters calling for his release and opponents demanding the maximum penalty.