U.S. Requests Postponement in Maduro Drug Trafficking Case, Stating Defense Attorneys Agree

• U.S. requests postponement of Nicolás Maduro’s case
• Defense accepts request
• Case continues in New York

According to reports from the EFE agency, the United States government requested a postponement this Monday for the next court hearing in the criminal drug trafficking case against Nicolás Maduro Moros and his wife, Cilia Flores de Maduro.

The petition was presented before Judge Alvin Hellerstein of the Southern District of New York.

The request seeks to modify the date originally set for March 17, 2026.

According to the filing, the new proposed date for the hearing is March 26.

The request was made by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

The prosecution argued that logistical reasons and the exchange of evidence justify the postponement.

The document indicates that the defense for both defendants agrees with the request.

The formal petition before the judge

NEW | U.S. Government requests to modify the next hearing in the Maduro drug trafficking case – Prosecutors, in association with the defense, propose a nine-day postponement – The judge will have the final word. pic.twitter.com/AAcUtUXI5B

— Alejandro Rincón (@ALEJOrincon) February 2, 2026

The request was sent via a letter addressed directly to Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

In the writing, the U.S. Attorney explained that the change of date would allow for the avoidance of scheduling conflicts.

Logistical issues were also mentioned as part of the stated reasons.

According to the document, the postponement would allow for better coordination between the parties.

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The text notes that consent exists from the defense of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores.

This agreement between the prosecution and the defense attorneys was highlighted in the judicial communication.

The request does not propose any additional changes to the process beyond the calendar adjustment.

The case continues under the jurisdiction of the Southern District of New York.

Exchange of evidence and defense preparation

One of the central points of the request is the exchange of evidence.

According to the legal document, the additional time requested is necessary for the prosecution to produce the discovery of evidence.

This process would allow the defense attorneys to review the material provided.

The defense would thus have the opportunity to analyze the information received.

The filing indicates that this analysis is key to deciding which pretrial motions will be presented.

The postponement seeks to ensure that both parties have the necessary time for this process.

The prosecution argues that the orderly exchange of evidence requires additional planning.

The document does not detail the specific content of the evidence.

Nor is it specified how many items would be delivered during this stage.

Context of the drug trafficking case against Maduro and the former president’s stance

The criminal drug trafficking case against Nicolás Maduro Moros and Cilia Flores remains active in the United States.

At the beginning of January, Maduro publicly referred to the accusations against him.

On that occasion, he declared himself «an innocent man» regarding the drug trafficking charges.

He also described his situation as that of a «prisoner of war.»

According to his statements, the charges were used by the Donald Trump Administration.

Maduro claimed that those accusations served as a justification for his capture and transfer to the United States.

These statements are not part of the document presented to the judge.

However, they provide context for the defendant’s public stance.

The request for postponement does not modify the existing charges.

Nor does it imply a ruling on the merits of the case.

The judicial process continues while awaiting the new hearing date.

If the request is approved, the hearing will be held on March 26, 2026.

Until then, the parties will continue working on the exchange of evidence and the preparation of their legal strategies.

The judge must decide whether to accept the request presented jointly by the prosecution and the defense.