Criminal trial date set for former Venezuelan president

NEW YORK (NBC, KYMA) - Former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has received the start date for his criminal trial.

A New York judge has ordered Maduro to face trial on June 1, 2027.

The 63-year-old former leader and his wife, Cilia Flores have been held at a Brooklyn jail ever since U.S. forces seized them from their Caracas home during a surprise raid.

U.S. prosecutors said Maduro carried out a conspiracy to move thousands of tons of cocaine into the U.S. by colluding with Venezuelan law enforcement to help drug kingpins.

The couple was brought to New York in early January on drug trafficking charges, charges they have both pleaded not guilty to.

Maduro and Flores have not asked to be released on bail. They could face potential life prison sentences if they are found guilty.