INVESTIGATION NEWS

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's Acting President, Under U.S. DEA Investigation for Drug Trafficking and Corruption

Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's acting president, is under intense scrutiny by the DEA for alleged drug trafficking, money laundering, and corruption. Investigations reveal her connections to Maduro's authoritarian regime and international criminal networks.

BY JANE M. CARTER

JANUARY 21, 2026

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The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been closely monitoring Delcy Rodríguez since she assumed the office of President of Venezuela. Recent news reports indicate that investigations are underway regarding her alleged connections to drug trafficking, financial misconduct, and corruption. Rodríguez has maintained a longstanding friendship with President Nicolás Maduro. There are numerous ongoing investigations suggesting her involvement in illicit activities in Venezuela.

Since her initial election as Vice President of Venezuela in 2018, the DEA has been monitoring her activities. She has consistently participated in business and government endeavors that have led some individuals to question her financial management. As recently as 2021, confidential reports indicated that she may have utilized hotels on Isla Margarita, a Caribbean island, to facilitate money laundering.

Why this news matters:

Rodríguez is also associated with Alex Saab, a former Colombian businessman who has served as a key intermediary between the Venezuelan government and international networks. Saab was apprehended by law enforcement authorities in 2020 on suspicion of engaging in money laundering activities. The United States is also investigating whether he assisted Maduro's government in circumventing U.S. sanctions.

According to The Federal, Chakraborty was at his grocery shop in the Charsindur Bazaar in the Palash Upazila area of Narsingdi when he was suddenly attacked by anonymous assailants with sharp weapons which injured him critically injured. Although the local residents rushed him to a hospital, he surrendered to his injuries on the way. Chakraborty, who was 40, is survived by his wife, Antara Mukherjee, and his 12-year-old son, Abhik Chakraborty. These events mark the latest among the violent incidents towards the Hindu minority in Bangladesh.

Rodríguez is a prominent figure within the Venezuelan government, but he has not yet been required to appear in court. The U.S. government has not publicly accused her of any offenses; however, the DEA is increasing its scrutiny of her due to her residence near Venezuela's authoritarian regime and the country's growing disconnection from the international community.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted a comprehensive investigation into the matter.

Individuals are considering factors beyond just Rodríguez in this matter. The Associated Press obtained records indicating that she has been the subject of at least twelve DEA investigations across multiple countries, including Paraguay, Ecuador, and the United States. The primary focus of these investigations is her purported participation in international drug trafficking and unlawful bullion trading organizations. Reports indicate that the DEA's Special Operations Division, a relatively minor segment of the agency, is responsible for overseeing the investigation.

Rodríguez has not been formally charged, but the DEA has made him a top target. This is usually reserved for people who have a lot of power over international criminal organizations. This classification does not mean that someone is guilty; it just means that they were involved in illegal activities. The AP looked at some records that show that U.S. officials think that Rodríguez's rise in the Venezuelan government is proof that she is involved in corruption and crime.

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Rodríguez's Role in Venezuela's Government

Rodríguez, 56, has built a political career on a strong loyalty to President Maduro. She rose to power long before she was named vice president in 2018, and her ties to the Maduro government go back to the early days of his presidency. She has a personal history with the leader that includes a shared set of beliefs and a promise to protect Venezuela's socialist revolution. Her father died in police custody when she was seven, and the circumstances of his death were strange. This had a big impact on her political views.

Rodríguez tried many times to improve diplomatic relations with the United States during the Trump administration, even though the regime was very against the US. In an unexpected turn of events, she hired lobbyists who were close to Trump's inner circle and oversaw a $500,000 donation from the state energy company to Trump's inauguration committee. But these efforts didn't work, and the Trump administration went on to impose even stricter sanctions on Venezuela. The White House officially punished Rodríguez in 2018, calling her one of the main people who helped Maduro stay in power as an authoritarian.

The United States government has consistently contended that the Maduro-led Venezuelan government has facilitated the operations of drug cartels, engaged in corrupt financial transactions, and committed various other criminal offenses. Rodríguez is a well-known and powerful person in the Venezuelan government, and he has come to symbolize the regime's commitment to undermining democratic institutions and breaking the law. The European Union has also put her under sanctions because she helped Maduro stay in power.

What the US Government Wants

Sources who know about the investigation say that the DEA has been interested in Rodríguez for several years. Investigators have focused on her connections to illegal gold mining in Venezuela, which has led to both organized crime and economic instability. Additionally, there are currently investigations going on into corrupt government contracts linked to Alex Saab, who is a friend of Maduro. These investigations have mostly moved forward under the Biden administration, but the US has not yet taken any public action against Rodríguez.

Rodríguez's continued leadership of Venezuela's criminal regime has made her a key player in the ongoing fight between the Venezuelan government and international law enforcement agencies. U.S. authorities are keeping a close eye on her because she is involved in money laundering, drug trafficking, and corruption. They are determined to hold the Maduro regime accountable.

Rodríguez and Venezuela's Future Path

Rodríguez will continue to face legal and political pressure from the United States and international organizations as long as Maduro is in charge of Venezuela. Despite this, she is still able to run for office, which shows how strong she is in an authoritarian regime. The US government has used sanctions and international diplomatic efforts to push for regime change in Venezuela. Rodríguez's role in these efforts has made her a key player in talks about Venezuela's future.

Political analysts think that the U.S. government will keep putting pressure on Rodríguez, especially since she is the interim president. As the DEA's investigations continue and more sanctions are put in place, the rest of the world will watch to see if Rodríguez is held accountable for her role in Venezuela's ongoing crisis.

Final Thoughts

The investigation into Delcy Rodríguez highlights the intersection of international diplomacy, corruption, and drug trafficking in one of the world's most isolated regimes. Rodríguez's role in Venezuela's political future is still unclear because the DEA and international justice systems are keeping a close eye on her every move. Her actions will definitely have an impact on the country's future.