The United States has dramatically increased its bounty for a top Venezuelan official, labelling him a key figure in a state-sponsored drug trafficking and terror network. The Trump administration is now offering $25 million for information leading to the arrest of Diosdado Cabello Rondón, the country's Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace.
Wanted: Alleged Narco-Terrorist Kingpin
In an urgent move, the US Department of State has issued a 'wanted' poster for the 62-year-old, whom it describes as an alleged cocaine kingpin. Cabello Rondón is accused of being a central player in a 'corrupt and violent narco-terrorism conspiracy' involving high-ranking officials in Nicolás Maduro's government.
The US government charges that he used his control over Venezuela's security forces to protect massive cocaine shipments. He is also alleged to have collaborated with the Colombian terrorist group, the FARC, to funnel drugs into the United States.
A Litany of Serious Charges
The indictment from the Southern District of New York, initially filed in March 2020, lays out a series of grave allegations. These include:
- Conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism and to import cocaine.
- Providing armed guards to protect cocaine shipments travelling from South to North America.
- Selling cocaine to traffickers for millions of dollars.
- Interfering with drug investigations and criminal cases in Venezuela.
- Supplying the FARC with weapons like machine guns, rocket launchers, and explosives.
The reward for his capture was raised from $10 million to $25 million on Saturday. This decision came just one week after US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas. Both now face drug trafficking charges in New York and have pleaded not guilty.
Political Rejection and Human Rights Abuses
The US does not recognise Maduro's disputed victory in the July 2024 presidential election and consequently rejects Cabello Rondón's ministerial appointment. The wanted poster states he was fraudulently appointed after Maduro's illegitimate election claim.
Furthermore, Cabello Rondón is accused of overseeing security forces responsible for widespread human rights abuses. A 2019 UN report detailed how units like the Special Action Forces (FAES) have carried out extrajudicial killings, particularly in Venezuela's slums. The forces have also been accused of sexually abusing women and girls, and planting evidence on innocent civilians.
US Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, whose Florida district includes many Venezuelan expatriates, called Cabello Rondón a 'regime strongman' complicit with Maduro. She stated that bringing him to US justice is a crucial step towards democracy in Venezuela and the release of political prisoners.
Anyone with information is urged to contact their local Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) office or the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
