United States federal prosecutors are examining potential links involving Colombia’s President, Gustavo Petro, in ongoing criminal investigations tied to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The probes, being handled by US Attorney’s offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York City, are reportedly focused on international narcotics networks. However, sources emphasise that President Petro is not the central target of the investigations.
“There are no ongoing investigations that are squarely focused on him,” a source disclosed, indicating that the inquiries remain preliminary in scope.
The investigations involve specialised prosecutors working alongside agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations. Authorities are said to be reviewing alleged meetings between Petro and individuals linked to drug trafficking, as well as claims that his presidential campaign may have received donations connected to such networks.
Despite the scrutiny, it remains unclear whether the investigations will result in formal charges. Neither the Colombian presidency nor US prosecutors have issued official statements regarding the matter.
The development adds a new dimension to already delicate relations between Colombia and the United States. Tensions had previously escalated following accusations by former US President Donald Trump, who alleged that Petro’s administration had enabled cocaine trafficking, claims the Colombian leader firmly rejected.
President Petro has consistently argued that the global drug trade is largely driven by demand in consumer nations, urging greater international cooperation to dismantle major trafficking networks rather than focusing solely on producing countries.
Although both leaders appeared to ease tensions during a February meeting at the White House, the emergence of these investigations introduces fresh uncertainty into diplomatic ties between Washington and Bogotá.
As authorities continue to probe possible connections between political figures and transnational drug operations, the situation remains fluid, with broader implications for US-Colombia relations and ongoing efforts to combat organised crime.
