US prosecutors probe Colombia's president Petro over possible drug trafficking ties

US federal prosecutors in New York have launched criminal investigations into Colombian President Gustavo Petro over alleged ties to drug traffickers.

“Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro has been named in two separate criminal investigations led by prosecutors in the United States”

Al Jazeera

The investigations, conducted by attorneys' offices in Brooklyn and Manhattan, have been ongoing for several months according to multiple sources.

Al Jazeera

These investigations focus on whether Petro met with drug traffickers and whether his 2022 presidential campaign solicited donations from organized crime groups.

The probes involve specialized prosecutors in international drug trafficking, along with agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations.

While Petro is reportedly not personally the target of these investigations, his name has come up in connection with multiple federal drug trafficking probes dating back to 2022.

The specific allegations under investigation center on claims that Petro's representatives solicited bribes from drug traffickers at Colombia's La Picota jail in exchange for promises they would not be extradited to the United States.

According to sources familiar with the inquiry, prosecutors have been questioning drug traffickers about their ties to Petro and specifically about these alleged bribery schemes.

Anadolu Ajansı

A second line of investigation examines whether Petro's 2022 presidential campaign sought or accepted donations from drug trafficking organizations, which could have legal implications under U.S. law.

The investigation explores 'possible clandestine ties' between the Colombian president and criminal networks, including contacts with Mexico's Sinaloa cartel and Venezuela's 'Cartel de los soles' network.

However, sources indicate it remains unclear whether federal prosecutors have implicated Petro in any specific crimes.

President Petro has vehemently denied all allegations of drug trafficking ties, stating 'I have never in my life spoken to a drug trafficker' and emphasizing his historical role in exposing connections between drug traffickers and politicians.

“DEA names Colombian president ‘priority target’ as US prosecutors probe ties to drug traffickers DEA names Colombian president ‘priority target’ as US prosecutors probe ties to drug traffickers NEW YORK (AP) — Colombian President Gustavo Petro has been designated a “priority target” by the U”

AP News

Petro maintained that he has always instructed his campaign managers not to accept donations from 'bankers nor drug traffickers,' claiming that exhaustive domestic investigations of his campaign finances found no evidence of illicit funds.

The Colombian presidency has declined to comment on the ongoing investigations, with a spokesperson stating they cannot discuss active legal proceedings.

Petro has suggested the allegations should be analyzed in a broader political context, noting that he has been the target of 'conspiracies by drug traffickers aimed at undermining his political career.'

His government argues that while it aggressively targets major cartels, it maintains a more lenient, social-based approach for peasant farmers who cultivate coca leaf.

The investigations come amid highly volatile relations between the United States and Colombia, particularly since President Trump's return to office 14 months ago.

The two leaders have clashed over various issues including Trump's immigration crackdown, deadly military campaigns against alleged drug-smuggling boats, and Petro's criticism of U.S. support for Israel.

ColombiaOne

Trump previously labeled Petro an 'illegal drug leader' and the Treasury Department sanctioned him in late 2025 for alleged ties to the drug trade without providing evidence.

The tensions escalated when Trump revoked Petro's U.S. visa after the Colombian president joined a street protest calling on U.S. military personnel to 'disobey' Trump's orders.

However, the relationship showed signs of improvement after a February meeting at the White House where Trump described Petro as 'terrific,' and Petro reported his visa had been restored.

The investigations are being conducted independently of the White House, with sources indicating 'the White House has had no role in the investigations.'

The investigation adds to a history of controversies surrounding political financing and drug trafficking in Colombia, a country that is the world's largest producer of cocaine.

“Federal prosecutors in the United States are investigating Colombian President Gustavo Petro for alleged ties to drug traffickers, according to US media reports”

DW

Petro's son, Nicolás, was charged in 2023 with soliciting illegal campaign contributions from a convicted drug trafficker, though his father maintains none of that money was used to fund his presidential campaign.

DW

Colombia's political landscape has long been tainted by cocaine connections, with historical examples including drug lord Pablo Escobar being elected to Congress and the Cali cartel funding presidential campaigns.

The timing of the investigation is particularly sensitive as Colombia begins its campaign for presidential elections in May, with opposition sectors calling for explanations about campaign transparency.

Some analysts suggest the investigation could be an attempt to influence Colombia's presidential elections, though there is no direct evidence linking the investigations to the U.S. government.

Petro cannot run for re-election due to constitutional term limits, but the investigation could affect the prospects of left-wing candidate Ivan Cepeda, who represents the continuation of Petro's policies.