In a recent development, a superseding indictment filed in a U.S. federal court has implicated Cilia Adela Flores de Maduro among several individuals accused of being involved in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. The indictment also highlights alleged arms-related offenses, bribery payments, and the utilization of armed groups for safeguarding these illegal operations.
According to the document, under the section detailing "overt acts" by the defendants, it is alleged that around 2007, Flores participated in a meeting where she purportedly accepted substantial bribes to facilitate an introduction between a prominent drug trafficker and Néstor Reverol Torres, the then-director of Venezuela's National Anti-Drug Office.
The indictment further claims that the drug trafficker agreed to make ongoing payments to Reverol Torres and approximately $100,000 for each cocaine-laden flight, with a portion of these payments allegedly being funneled to Flores.
The document asserts that between 2004 and 2015, Nicolás Maduro and Flores "collaborated" in cocaine trafficking, including drugs previously confiscated by Venezuelan security forces, and that they were provided protection by armed military escorts.
Additionally, it is stated that they maintained State-sponsored gangs, known as "colectivos," to assist and shield their operations. The indictment alleges that Maduro and Flores ordered kidnappings, beatings, and murders against those who supposedly owed them money from drug dealings or "undermined" their operations, including a directive to eliminate a local drug chief in Caracas.
Scope of the Charges
The grand jury has charged Maduro, Cabello, Rodríguez Chacín, Flores, and others with involvement in a cocaine importation conspiracy spanning from "at least 1999" to approximately 2025. The indictment also outlines a weapons-related charge ("possession of machine guns and destructive devices") associated with the alleged drug trafficking activities.
Cilia Flores is described in the documents as the "de facto first lady" due to her marriage to Maduro in 2013. Her political roles are listed, including her tenure as president of the National Assembly (2006-2011), Attorney General (2012-2013), and her membership in the National Constituent Assembly since 2017.
The file notes that in 2015, two relatives of Maduro and Flores, Efraín Campo Flores and Franqui Francisco Flores de Freitas, allegedly discussed in recorded meetings with DEA confidential sources the shipment of cocaine from a presidential hangar in Maiquetía. They purportedly aimed to raise $20 million to support Flores' campaign.
Both relatives were convicted in 2016 for conspiracy to import cocaine.
Key Questions on the Allegations Against Maduro's Circle
What are the main accusations against Cilia Flores in the U.S. court documents?
Cilia Flores is accused of participating in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, accepting bribes, and involvement in violence against those undermining the operation.
How is Nicolás Maduro connected to the alleged crimes?
Nicolás Maduro is accused of collaborating with Cilia Flores in cocaine trafficking and ordering violent actions against perceived threats to their operation.