In a high-profile case tied to a Caracas-led drug operation, Maduro and Flores have been in U.S. custody since being seized in a raid on Caracas, brought to New York in early January, and they have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to ship cocaine to the United States, facing potential life sentences if convicted.

U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein set June 1 as the trial date, with defense motions expected to begin in early September as part of the indictment challenge process.

Maduro and his lawyers are preparing to challenge the legality of the operation that abducted him, with attorney Barry Pollack signaling a defense focused on the so‑called military abduction and related legal issues to be addressed before trial.

Prosecutors are continuing to challenge the military-action question, as the legality and impact of that operation remain focal points of dispute.

Earlier, prosecutors sought a June trial date, and multiple U.S. outlets reported on the court’s decision.

The case sits amid deteriorating U.S.–Venezuela relations since the 2024 presidential election, against a backdrop of past U.S. military actions in Caracas and the surrounding region.

In April, the U.S. government adjusted sanctions to allow Venezuela to pay Maduro’s defense fees, reflecting evolving bilateral dynamics.

Sanctions relief actions in April enabled the Venezuelan government to cover Maduro’s legal expenses, a recurring topic in prior hearings.

The indictment and trial sit at the intersection of international diplomacy, sovereignty, and U.S. legal action against a former foreign head of state.

The prosecution plans to push information-sharing in the coming months, with the defense allowed to file new appeals through early 2027 before the court sets a final calendar.

In the near term, the government aims to complete the evidence exchange phase before trial, while defense motions and review of classified material will continue.

The case will proceed through two procedural phases in which the defense may seek immunity for the defendants, with today’s hearing lasting only about 18 minutes.