Maduro, U.S. Prosecutors Propose June 2027 Trial Date in Drug Trafficking Case

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and U.S. federal prosecutors have jointly proposed starting his criminal trial in June 2027, according to a court filing submitted ahead of a scheduled hearing in Manhattan federal court. The proposed timeline relates to Maduro’s high-profile U.S. drug trafficking case, which has drawn international attention.

The filing, submitted on Tuesday, outlines a tentative trial start date of June 2027. However, both the defense and the U.S. Justice Department noted that the schedule could be revised as the case progresses. U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein, who is presiding over the proceedings in the Southern District of New York, will make the final decision on the trial timetable.

A status hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT), where the court is expected to discuss the proposed timeline and other procedural matters.

Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were taken into U.S. custody after American Special Forces conducted a nighttime operation in Caracas in January. Following the raid, both were transported to New York to face federal criminal charges tied to alleged drug trafficking activities.

The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to continue challenging the allegations as the legal process moves forward.

The proposed June 2027 trial date marks another major step in one of the most closely watched international criminal cases involving a former foreign head of state. Legal experts expect extensive pretrial proceedings before the case reaches a jury, given its international implications and the complexity of the charges.

Judge Hellerstein is expected to determine whether to approve the proposed schedule or establish a different timeline during the upcoming court proceedings, while both sides retain the option to request future adjustments if necessary.