Venezuela's former President Nicolas Maduro has pleaded not guilty to US federal charges of conspiring to traffic cocaine into the United States. The charges, which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison, stem from a US indictment alleging that Maduro and other high-ranking officials in his government were involved in a narco-trafficking scheme. Maduro's lawyer has vowed to challenge the legitimacy of the US military operation that led to his arrest, sparking questions about the scope and implications of US involvement in Venezuela's internal affairs. As the case unfolds, it will likely shed light on the complex and often contentious relationship between the US and Venezuela, as well as the role of the US military in international law enforcement.
Former President Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges; lawyer plans to challenge legality of US military operation.
