Maduro taken to New York jail, to face trial on drug and terror charges

WASHINGTON: The United States has begun proceedings to prosecute President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores after the pair were taken into custody following a U.S. air operation in Venezuela.

According to reports, the couple was brought to New York early yesterday (Indian time) and first taken to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) headquarters in Manhattan. They were later moved to the Metropolitan Detention Centre (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York’s only federal jail. They are likely to be produced in court today. Maduro faces charges including drug-related terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and possession of deadly weapons.

India calls for peaceful resolution

Meanwhile, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the situation in Venezuela should be resolved peacefully, supporting the welfare and safety of the Venezuelan people. The Indian Embassy in Caracas is in touch with Indian citizens in Venezuela, and the ministry has said that all possible assistance will be provided.

Delcy takes charge
With Venezuela facing a political crisis in Maduro’s absence, Vice President Delcy Rodríguez (56) was appointed Acting President by the Supreme Court. The former Foreign Minister, Delcy Rodríguez, also handles the petroleum portfolio and is considered a close ally of Maduro.