Reports indicate U.S. investigators are examining potential connections between Colombian leader Gustavo Petro and drug networks, drawing denials from Petro and highlighting tensio
U.S. federal prosecutors are investigating possible ties between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and drug traffickers, as reported by media outlets including the Associated Press and Reuters. The investigation stems from records showing Petro as a "priority target" by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with inquiries dating back to 2022.
Prosecutors in Brooklyn and Manhattan are specifically looking into whether Petro met with drug traffickers or if his presidential campaign solicited donations from them. These details emerged from U.S. media reports citing official sources.
Petro's Denial and U.S. Response
Petro has publicly denied any involvement, stating on social media platform X that he has never spoken to a drug trafficker and instructed his campaign managers not to accept donations from such individuals or bankers. This response came directly after news of the investigation broke.
However, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters that no ongoing investigations are squarely focused on Petro; instead, his conduct surfaced during broader probes into narco-terrorism by U.S. attorneys in New York. Additionally, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Petro in 2025 without providing evidence, amid accusations from President Trump.
U.S.-Colombia relations have faced strain under Trump's administration, particularly over efforts to combat narcotics smuggling in Latin America. Trump has publicly criticized Petro, calling him an "illegal drug leader" and a "sick man" in January 2026, though he later described him as "terrific" after a February meeting.
Colombia remains one of the world's leading cocaine producers, and the U.S. and Colombian governments have long collaborated on anti-drug trafficking efforts. Despite recent tensions, signs of improving relations appeared following the leaders' White House meeting.
