Maduro's trial date set for June 2027 in drug-trafficking case

Investing.com -- A judge set a June 1, 2027 trial date for former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro on Wednesday in a US drug-trafficking and narco-terrorism conspiracy case. The hearing marked Maduro's first court appearance since March.

US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein established the trial date during a hearing in a crowded Manhattan courtroom. Prosecutors allege that Maduro, who was captured by the US military on January 3, 2026, played a central role in a conspiracy to transport cocaine into the United States.

Maduro, 63, has stated his capture was illegal. His wife, Cilia Flores, 69, faces charges as well. Both appeared in tan prison clothing and wore headphones to hear a Spanish translation of the approximately 15-minute proceeding. Both have entered not guilty pleas.

The judge approved a pretrial schedule that includes the delivery of evidence from the US to Maduro's legal team. The schedule also allows for two rounds of pretrial motions by Maduro to seek dismissal of charges or restrictions on evidence that can be used against him.

In January, Maduro's attorney told the court he expected to file lengthy and complex legal documents, including an argument that Maduro has immunity from prosecution as a former head of a sovereign nation.

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