Why Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro is under DEA scrutiny: summary

What we know

• Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been designated a “priority target” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), according to records and sources cited by the Associated Press.
• The designation is used for individuals deemed to have a “significant impact” on the drug trade.
• DEA records show that Petro has appeared in multiple investigations since 2022, largely based on confidential informant interviews.
• Allegations under investigation include possible links to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, involvement in drug trafficking networks, and attempts to use his “total peace” policy to benefit traffickers.
• The records also reference alleged schemes involving smuggling cocaine and fentanyl through Colombian ports and laundering funds through intermediaries.
• U.S. federal prosecutors in New York are questioning traffickers about alleged ties to Petro and claims that representatives sought bribes to block extradition.
• The inquiry remains in its early stages, and it is unclear whether it will result in formal charges.
• Petro has denied all allegations, stating he never accepted funds from drug traffickers during his campaign.
• Colombia’s embassy in Washington dismissed the reports as “unverified” and lacking a legal or factual basis.
• Members of Petro’s family are also under scrutiny, including his son, who was charged in 2023 with soliciting illegal campaign contributions, and his brother, who has been linked to alleged negotiations with traffickers.

What they said

Petro said the accusations would be dismantled in U.S. legal proceedings and denied any ties to traffickers. Colombia’s embassy stated, “The reported insinuations have no legal or factual basis.” Ecopetrol President Ricardo Roa said the allegations involving the state oil company “lacked all reality or logic.”