The United States of America (USA) has seized a plane belonging to Venezuelan President, NICOLÁS MADURO, claiming it was bought illegally for 13 million dollars and smuggled out of the country.

According to the US Justice Department, the aircraft was seized in the Dominican Republic for suspected violations of US export control and sanctions laws.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said the action represented an important step to ensure that President MADURO continues to feel the consequences of his misgovernance of Venezuela.

The seized plane has been flown to the southern US state of Florida.