In a significant development, the aircraft reportedly transporting the ousted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, has landed at Stewart Airport in Orange County, New York. This marks a pivotal moment in the international saga surrounding the former president.

Arriving via a U.S. government plane from the military base in Guantanamo Bay, Maduro is expected to continue his journey to New York City. Accompanied by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), he is slated to take a helicopter to the city. Upon arrival, he will be escorted by motorcade to a designated location in New York City for processing, before being detained.

President Trump has publicly acknowledged the capture and extradition of Maduro and his wife, though he withheld specific details regarding their final destination upon leaving Venezuela.

The legal troubles for Maduro stem from charges filed in the Southern District of New York in 2020. He faces serious allegations, including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and weapons offenses. These charges are linked to accusations that he collaborated with the Colombian rebel group FARC, in an attempt to inundate the United States with cocaine.

This unfolding scenario continues to capture global attention, as Maduro’s legal battles within the U.S. judicial system are set to commence.

“As alleged, Maduro and the other defendants expressly intended to flood the United States with cocaine in order to undermine the health and wellbeing of our nation. Maduro very deliberately deployed cocaine as a weapon,” then-US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said at the time the charges were announced.

Live updates on Venezuela here.