Maduro, aged 63, and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to serious charges including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation, and weapons offenses. Prosecutors allege that the couple collaborated with drug cartels and armed groups to smuggle large quantities of cocaine into the United States. Both Maduro and Flores denied the charges during their initial court appearance. If found guilty, they could be sentenced to life in prison.