A United States judge has scheduled a trial for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for June 2027, according to court documents. Maduro faces charges brought by US prosecutors, who allege he used the power of the Venezuelan state to protect and promote illegal drug smuggling. The charges are part of a long-running investigation into drug trafficking and corruption involving high-ranking Venezuelan officials. Maduro has repeatedly denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated. The trial date is set for more than three years from now, which is not uncommon in complex international cases. Maduro remains in power in Venezuela, though the US does not recognize his government and has imposed sanctions on him and his administration. The case is being handled by a federal court in New York. Legal experts say the lengthy timeline reflects the challenges of prosecuting a sitting foreign head of state. Maduro has not appeared in US court and is unlikely to do so voluntarily. The US government has offered a reward for information leading to his arrest on the drug charges. Venezuela's government has condemned the trial as an intervention in its internal affairs.