Maduro taken to a detention centre in New York
Former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was taken to the Metropolitan Detention Centre in the Brooklyn borough of New York late on 3 January. This was reported by the US media, citing sources in US law enforcement agencies, reported DW.
According to journalists, Maduro arrived at the detention centre at around 20:52 US Eastern Time. He was taken under escort by the Drug Enforcement Administration after being transferred from Manhattan. The whereabouts of his wife, Celia Flores, have not been officially confirmed.
A criminal case has been opened against Maduro in the Southern District of New York. The prosecutor's office charges him with conspiracy to commit narcoterrorism, organising the importation of thousands of tonnes of cocaine into the United States, as well as illegal possession and trafficking of automatic weapons and explosive devices. According to the investigation, for more than 25 years, representatives of the Venezuelan authorities have been using state institutions to enrich themselves through drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Venezuela announced that Vice President Delcy Rodriguez will temporarily act as head of state to ensure continuity of governance.
